OxCAMS: The Oxford Calcium Channel Antagonism Study

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  OxCaMS: The Oxford Study of Calcium Channel Antagonism, Cognition, Mood Instability and Sleep.

• IRAS ID

  213212

• Contact name

  Paul Harrison

• Contact email

  paul.harrison@psych.ox.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Oxford

• Duration of Study in the UK

  2 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  Bipolar disorder (BD) has a strong genetic component and calcium signalling is considered to be a key part of its pathophysiology. L-type calcium channel (LTCC) subunits, especially CACNA1C, are prominent amongst BD risk genes, and there is evidence for elevated and dysregulated calcium signalling in the disorder. LTCC antagonists are widely used as anti-hypertensives, and there is some suggestion that they may have anti-manic effects. However, there is no evidence regarding
  their effects on brain activity or cognition. We will conduct an experimental
  medicine study, using a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, in 40 healthy participants selected for high mood instability. Following a two week period of cognitive testing, MEG and MRI scans participants will be randomised to nicardipine (a long acting LTCC antagonist) or placebo for 14 days. The cognitive and physiological measurements will continue throughout this period, with a repeat MEG and MRI scan in week 4. The design allows within- and between subject comparisons. We will test the hypothesis that nicardipine will alter cognition, lead to changes in resting state networks and oscillatory activity, consistent with an impact on brain LTCC and thence calcium signalling

• REC name

  South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  17/SC/0029

• Date of REC Opinion

  7 Feb 2017

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion