1. If you are interested in taking part or finding out more
Cortisol effects on locus coeruleus activity (CELCA)
version /04/2019
What is this study about?
This is a research project looking at how manipulating certain stress hormones and neurotransmitters affects a part of the brain called the locus coeruleus.
What does it involve?
Picking up tablet medication the day before testing and taking this medication yourself at home.
Providing a urine sample the day before testing to allow for pregnancy and drug testing.
Attending testing which will involve sitting in front of a computer screen and responding to certain auditory tones as quickly as possible.
Testing will take about 45 minutes.
After testing there will be a break of at least 10 days after which you will be asked to repeat the above procedure but with a different tablet medication.
This will occur 4 times in total with 4 different tablet medications.
There are minimal side effects associated with these treatments. They are all medications which are commonly prescribed.
What are the benefits to me?
There are no direct benefits however we will reimburse you £100 for your time spent on the whole study period. This is to compensate you for the inconvenience of missing work or university.
You may also receive up to £80 reward if you perform well in the 4 auditory tasks.
You are eligible if you meet ALL of the following criteria:
No problems with eye sight (can read large text without glasses or with contact lenses)
Male or female, aged 18-64
Not pregnant or breastfeeding
Fit and healthy with no medical problems
No history or diagnosis of immunosuppressive disorders, blood disorders or psychiatric illness.
Not taking steroid or hormonal medications nor illegal substances
BMI in the range
Non-smoker
English as first language
If you are interested in taking part or finding out more
Please contact Laura Cole (PhD Student in Neuroscience)
Tel: