NCT02906553

The Role of Nitric Oxide in Cognition in Schizophrenia

The Role of Nitric Oxide in Cognition in Schizophrenia; The NOC Study (Nitric Oxide in Cognition)

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 19 (actual)
• Sponsor: King's College London · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 40 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study evaluates the role of the Nitric Oxide system in cognition in patients with schizophrenia. Participants will be randomised to 2 equal groups and receive either the Nitric Oxide donor molecule glyceryl trinitrate, or a placebo. Performance on several cognitive tasks will be assessed.

Detailed description

Nitric oxide \[NO\] is a gaseous neurotransmitter substance found in the brain. Nitric oxide is integrated with the glutamate system. Glutamate has received considerable attention as an important factor in the cognitive distortions and cognitive impairments that underlie schizophrenia. Deficits in glutamate in schizophrenia may impact upon cognition via the NO system, as glutamate receptors signal by way of NO. Here the investigators aim to extend knowledge of glutamate-NO systems by directly examining the role of NO in cognition in patients with psychosis. We aim to assess the role of the NO system in cognition, downstream of glutamate and before patients are started on any anti-psychotic medication which perturb brain neurochemistry. The primary outcome measure is change in a particular style of cognition referred to as 'jumping to conclusions' following the administration of a potent Nitric Oxide donor molecule \[glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)\], under placebo-controlled, double-blind conditions. This will shed light on the direct role of NO in cognition in psychosis, beyond the glutamate system.

Conditions

• Schizophrenia
• Psychotic Disorders

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	Glyceryl Trinitrate
DRUG	Placebo

Timeline

• Start date: 2016-09-01
• Primary completion: 2019-04-01
• Completion: 2019-04-01
• First posted: 2016-09-20
• Last updated: 2019-08-13

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United Kingdom