This Project will explore the hypothesis that individuals with a family history positive for alcohol dependence (without any current Axis I disorder, except nicotine dependence), experience an alteration in the reward "valence" (balance of positive and negative effects) of the GABAA receptor agonist barbiturate (thiopental) compared to family history negative age-matched subjects. Further, variation in genes involved in brain GABA function may influence the risk for alcoholism by altering a component of the discriminative stimulus effects of ethanol.
This project will explore the hypothesis that individuals with a family history positive for alcohol dependence (FHP) (without any current DSM-IV Axis I disorder, except nicotine dependence), experience an alteration in the reward "valence" (balance of positive and negative effects) of the GABA-A receptor agonist barbiturate (thiopental) compared to family history negative (FHN) age-matched subjects. Further, the effect of variations in genes important in regulating brain GABA function may alter a component of the discriminative stimulus effects of ethanol. FHP individuals are defined as individuals with at least one first-degree relative and another first- or second-degree relatives. Preliminary results suggest that FHP individuals showed an attenuated response to thiopental as measured by the descending limb of the BAES during thiopental infusion relative to the FHN group. Further, preliminary results suggest that variation in genes involved in brain GABA function, glutamate decarboxylase-65 (GAD65), may influence the risk for alcoholism by altering a component of the discriminative stimulus effects of ethanol. We plan to recruit 2 groups of healthy subjects between the ages of 21-30, one with a family history of alcoholism (family history positive=FHP) and a sex-matched control group without a family history of alcoholism (family history negative=FHN), to undergo two test days scheduled 3 days apart, in a randomized double-blind fashion. Test days will involve a 60-minute intravenous infusion of each of 2 conditions: saline or thiopental, in a randomized order under double-blind conditions. Behavioral ratings include the Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) and Visual Analog Scales (VAS). Exploratory measures include event-related potential recordings (ERP) and measures of eye-to-hand coordination. Blood will be collected for Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction and genotyping.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
73
A 2-day test design involving 2 conditions: saline (Placebo) or Thiopental 1.5mg/kg (loading) with a subsequent infusion rate of 40 mcg/kg/minute (60 minute infusion).
A 2-day test design involving 2 conditions: saline (Placebo) or Thiopental 1.5mg/kg (loading) with a subsequent infusion rate of 40 mcg/kg/minute (60 minute infusion).
VA Connecticut Healthcare System
West Haven, Connecticut, United States
Visual Analog Scales of Similarity to Alcohol - Baseline
Visual Analog Scale of Similarity to Alcohol data using the Likert scale (0 Not at all similar to alcohol - 7 Extremely similar to alcohol) evaluating the similarity of drug effects to alcohol
Time frame: Baseline
Visual Analog Scales of Similarity to Alcohol - 15 Minutes
Visual Analog Scale of Similarity to Alcohol data using the Likert scale (0 Not at all similar to alcohol - 7 Extremely similar to alcohol) evaluating the similarity of drug effects to alcohol
Time frame: 15 minutes
Visual Analog Scales of Similarity to Alcohol - 45 Minutes
Visual Analog Scale of Similarity to Alcohol data using the Likert scale (0 Not at all similar to alcohol - 7 Extremely similar to alcohol) evaluating the similarity of drug effects to alcohol
Time frame: 45 minutes
Visual Analog Scales of Similarity to Alcohol - 80 Minutes
Visual Analog Scale of Similarity to Alcohol data using the Likert scale (0 Not at all similar to alcohol - 7 Extremely similar to alcohol) evaluating the similarity of drug effects to alcohol
Time frame: 80 minutes
Visual Analog Scales of Similarity to Alcohol - 110 Minutes
Visual Analog Scale of Similarity to Alcohol data using the Likert scale (0 Not at all similar to alcohol - 7 Extremely similar to alcohol) evaluating the similarity of drug effects to alcohol
Time frame: 110 minutes
Visual Analog Scales of Similarity to Alcohol - 170 Minutes
Visual Analog Scale of Similarity to Alcohol data using the Likert scale (0 Not at all similar to alcohol - 7 Extremely similar to alcohol) evaluating the similarity of drug effects to alcohol
Time frame: 170 minutes
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Visual Analog Scales of Similarity to Alcohol - 230 Minutes
Visual Analog Scale of Similarity to Alcohol data using the Likert scale (0 Not at all similar to alcohol - 7 Extremely similar to alcohol) evaluating the similarity of drug effects to alcohol
Time frame: 230 minutes
Number of Drinks Felt Consumed at Baseline
The Number of Drinks Scale asks Subjects to report on the number of alcoholic drinks they felt they had consumed.
Time frame: Baseline
Number of Drinks Felt Consumed - 15 Minutes
The Number of Drinks Scale asks Subjects to report on the number of alcoholic drinks they felt they had consumed.
Time frame: 15 minutes
Number of Drinks Felt Consumed - 45 Minutes
The Number of Drinks Scale asks Subjects to report on the number of alcoholic drinks they felt they had consumed.
Time frame: 45 minutes
Number of Drinks Felt Consumed - 80 Minutes
The Number of Drinks Scale asks Subjects to report on the number of alcoholic drinks they felt they had consumed.
Time frame: 80 minutes
Number of Drinks Felt Consumed - 110 Minutes
The Number of Drinks Scale asks Subjects to report on the number of alcoholic drinks they felt they had consumed.
Time frame: 110 minutes
Number of Drinks Felt Consumed - 170 Minutes
The Number of Drinks Scale asks Subjects to report on the number of alcoholic drinks they felt they had consumed.
Time frame: 170 minutes
Number of Drinks Felt Consumed - 230 Minutes
The Number of Drinks Scale asks Subjects to report on the number of alcoholic drinks they felt they had consumed.
Time frame: 230 minutes
Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) - Subscale Stimulant - Baseline
Self-report rating scale used to measure stimulant effects (0 not at all stimulated - 70 extremely stimulated)
Time frame: Baseline
Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) - Subscale Stimulant - 15 Minutes
Self-report rating scale used to measure stimulant effects (0 not at all stimulated - 70 extremely stimulated)
Time frame: 15 minutes
Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) - Subscale Stimulant - 45 Minutes
Self-report rating scale used to measure stimulant effects (0 not at all stimulated - 70 extremely stimulated)
Time frame: 45 minutes
Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) - Subscale Stimulant - 80 Minutes
Self-report rating scale used to measure stimulant effects (0 not at all stimulated - 70 extremely stimulated)
Time frame: 80 minutes
Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) - Subscale Stimulant- 110 Minutes
Self-report rating scale used to measure stimulant effects (0 not at all stimulated - 70 extremely stimulated)
Time frame: 110 minutes
Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) - Subscale Stimulant - 170 Minutes
Self-report rating scale used to measure stimulant effects (0 not at all stimulated - 70 extremely stimulated)
Time frame: 170 minutes
Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) - Subscale Stimulant - 230 Minutes
Self-report rating scale used to measure stimulant effects (0 not at all stimulated - 70 extremely stimulated)
Time frame: 230 minutes
Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) - Subscale Sedative Baseline
Self-report rating scale used to measure sedative effects (0 not at all sedated - 70 extremely sedated)
Time frame: Baseline
Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) - Subscale Sedative - 15 Minutes
Self-report rating scale used to measure sedative effects (0 not at all sedated - 70 extremely sedated)
Time frame: 15 minutes
Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) - Subscale Sedative - 45 Minutes
Self-report rating scale used to measure sedative effects (0 not at all sedated - 70 extremely sedated)
Time frame: 45 minutes
Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) - Subscale Sedative - 80 Minutes
Self-report rating scale used to measure sedative effects (0 not at all sedated - 70 extremely sedated)
Time frame: 80 minutes
Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) - Subscale Sedative - 110 Minutes
Self-report rating scale used to measure sedative effects (0 not at all sedated - 70 extremely sedated)
Time frame: 110 minutes
Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) - Subscale Sedative - 170 Minutes
Self-report rating scale used to measure sedative effects (0 not at all sedated - 70 extremely sedated)
Time frame: 170 minutes
Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) - Subscale Sedative - 230 Minutes
Self-report rating scale used to measure sedative effects (0 not at all sedated - 70 extremely sedated)
Time frame: 230 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - High - Baseline
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure high (0 not at all High - 7 extremely High)
Time frame: Baseline
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - High - 15 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure high (0 not at all High - 7 extremely High)
Time frame: 15 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - High - 45 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure high (0 not at all High - 7 extremely High)
Time frame: 45 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - High - 80 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure high (0 not at all High - 7 extremely High)
Time frame: 80 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - High - 110 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure high (0 not at all High - 7 extremely High)
Time frame: 110 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - High - 170 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure high (0 not at all High - 7 extremely High)
Time frame: 170 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - High - 230 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure high (0 not at all High - 7 extremely High)
Time frame: 230 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Buzzed - Baseline
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure buzzed (0 not at all buzzed - 7 extremely buzzed)
Time frame: Baseline
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Buzzed - 15 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure buzzed (0 not at all buzzed - 7 extremely buzzed)
Time frame: 15 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Buzzed - 45 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure buzzed (0 not at all buzzed - 7 extremely buzzed)
Time frame: 45 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Buzzed - 80 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure buzzed (0 not at all buzzed - 7 extremely buzzed) .
Time frame: 80 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Buzzed - 110 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure buzzed (0 not at all buzzed - 7 extremely buzzed)
Time frame: 110 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Buzzed - 170 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure buzzed (0 not at all buzzed - 7 extremely buzzed)
Time frame: 170 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Buzzed - 230 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure buzzed (0 not at all buzzed - 7 extremely buzzed)
Time frame: 230 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Drowsy - Baseline
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure drowsy (0 not at all drowsy - 7 extremely drowsy)
Time frame: Baseline
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Drowsy - 15 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure drowsy (0 not at all drowsy - 7 extremely drowsy)
Time frame: 15 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Drowsy - 45 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure drowsy (0 not at all drowsy - 7 extremely drowsy) .
Time frame: 45 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Drowsy - 80 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure drowsy (0 not at all drowsy - 7 extremely drowsy)
Time frame: 80 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Drowsy - 110 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure drowsy (0 not at all drowsy - 7 extremely drowsy)
Time frame: 110 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Drowsy - 170 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure drowsy (0 not at all drowsy - 7 extremely drowsy)
Time frame: 170 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Drowsy - 230 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure drowsy (0 not at all drowsy - 7 extremely drowsy)
Time frame: 230 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Depressed - Baseline
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure depressed (0 not at all depressed - 7 extremely depressed)
Time frame: Baseline
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Depressed - 15 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure depressed (0 not at all depressed - 7 extremely depressed)
Time frame: 15 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Depressed - 45 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure depressed (0 not at all depressed - 7 extremely depressed)
Time frame: 45 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Depressed - 80 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure depressed (0 not at all depressed - 7 extremely depressed)
Time frame: 80 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Depressed - 110 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure depressed (0 not at all depressed - 7 extremely depressed)
Time frame: 110 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Depressed - 170 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure depressed (0 not at all depressed - 7 extremely depressed)
Time frame: 170 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Depressed - 230 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure depressed (0 not at all depressed - 7 extremely depressed)
Time frame: 230 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Anxious - Baseline
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure anxiety (0 not at all anxious - 7 extremely anxious)
Time frame: Baseline
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Anxious - 15 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure anxiety (0 not at all anxious - 7 extremely anxious)
Time frame: 15 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Anxious - 45 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure anxiety (0 not at all anxious - 7 extremely anxious)
Time frame: 45 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Anxious - 80 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure anxiety (0 not at all anxious - 7 extremely anxious)
Time frame: 80 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Anxious - 110 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure anxiety (0 not at all anxious - 7 extremely anxious)
Time frame: 110 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Anxious - 170 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure anxiety (0 not at all anxious - 7 extremely anxious)
Time frame: 170 minutes
Visual Analog Scales (VAS) - Anxious - 230 Minutes
visual analog scale (VAS): self-report scale used to measure anxiety (0 not at all anxious - 7 extremely anxious)
Time frame: 230 minutes
Clinician Administered Dissociative Symptoms Scale - Patient Rated - Baseline
Clinician Administered Dissociative Symptoms Scale (CADSS) is a patient and Clinician rated measurement of dissociative states induced by thiopental (0 not at all dissociative - 84 extreme dissociative)
Time frame: Baseline
Clinician Administered Dissociative Symptoms Scale - Patient Rated - 15 Minutes
Clinician Administered Dissociative Symptoms Scale (CADSS) is a patient and Clinician rated measurement of dissociative states induced by thiopental (0 not at all dissociative - 84 extreme dissociative)
Time frame: 15 minutes
Clinician Administered Dissociative Symptoms Scale - Patient Rated - 80 Minutes
Clinician Administered Dissociative Symptoms Scale (CADSS) is a patient and Clinician rated measurement of dissociative states induced by thiopental (0 not at all dissociative - 84 extreme dissociative)
Time frame: 80 minutes
Clinician Administered Dissociative Symptoms Scale - Patient Rated - 110 Minutes
Clinician Administered Dissociative Symptoms Scale (CADSS) is a patient and Clinician rated measurement of dissociative states induced by thiopental (0 not at all dissociative - 84 extreme dissociative)
Time frame: 110 minutes
Clinician Administered Dissociative Symptoms Scale - Clinician Rated - Baseline
Clinician Administered Dissociative Symptoms Scale (CADSS) is a patient and Clinician rated measurement of dissociative states induced by thiopental (0 not at all dissociative - 20 extreme dissociative)
Time frame: Baseline
Clinician Administered Dissociative Symptoms Scale - Clinician Rated - 15 Minutes
Clinician Administered Dissociative Symptoms Scale (CADSS) is a patient and Clinician rated measurement of dissociative states induced by thiopental (0 not at all dissociative - 20 extreme dissociative)
Time frame: 15 minutes
Clinician Administered Dissociative Symptoms Scale - Clinician Rated - 80 Minutes
Clinician Administered Dissociative Symptoms Scale (CADSS) is a patient and Clinician rated measurement of dissociative states induced by thiopental (0 not at all dissociative - 20 extreme dissociative)
Time frame: 80 minutes
Clinician Administered Dissociative Symptoms Scale - Clinician Rated - 110 Minutes
Clinician Administered Dissociative Symptoms Scale (CADSS) is a patient and Clinician rated measurement of dissociative states induced by thiopental (0 not at all dissociative - 20 extreme dissociative)
Time frame: 110 minutes
Pegboard Task - Baseline (Dominant Hand)
The pegboard task is a measure of coordination that measures reaction time; how long a subject takes to insert pegs into a pegboard puzzle, first using their dominant hand then using their non-dominant hand. A quicker time indicates greater coordination. Scores are timed in seconds
Time frame: Baseline
Pegboard Task - 15 Minutes (Dominant Hand)
The pegboard task is a measure of coordination that measures reaction time; how long a subject takes to insert pegs into a pegboard puzzle, first using their dominant hand then using their non-dominant hand. A quicker time indicates greater coordination. Scores are timed in seconds
Time frame: 15 minutes
Pegboard Task - Baseline (Non-Dominant Hand)
The pegboard task is a measure of coordination that measures reaction time; how long a subject takes to insert pegs into a pegboard puzzle, first using their dominant hand then using their non-dominant hand. A quicker time indicates greater coordination. Scores are timed in seconds.
Time frame: Baseline
Pegboard Task - 15 Minutes (Non-Dominant Hand)
The pegboard task is a measure of coordination that measures reaction time; how long a subject takes to insert pegs into a pegboard puzzle, first using their dominant hand then using their non-dominant hand. A quicker time indicates greater coordination. Scores are timed in seconds.
Time frame: 15 minutes
Hopkins Verbal Learning Task (HVLT) - Total Recall
Hopkins Verbal Learning Task (HVLT) - measures verbal memory and hippocampus function based on word recall. (0 = no words recalled - 36 = all words recalled)
Time frame: 15 minutes
Hopkins Verbal Learning Task (HVLT) - Delayed Recall
Hopkins Verbal Learning Task (HVLT) - measures verbal memory and hippocampus function with word recall at 30 minutes) (0 no words recalled - 12 all words recalled)
Time frame: 45 minutes
Verbal Fluency
Verbal Fluency Task: requires subjects to generate as many words as possible beginning with a single letter (e.g., "H") during a one-minute interval. (total words in one-minute interval)
Time frame: 15 minutes