This study will examine whether supplementation with the serotonin and dopamine precursors, 5HTP and L-DOPA can alter central nervous system excitability and improve motor function after incomplete and complete spinal cord injuries.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
30
University of Louisville, Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Centre
Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Change in corticospinal excitability
Transcranial magnetic stimulation motor-evoked potentials
Time frame: Pre drug-intake, 30minutes, 60minutes, 90minutes, 120minutes post drug-intake
Change in motoneuron excitability
F waves
Time frame: Pre drug-intake, 30minutes, 60minutes, 90minutes, 120minutes post drug-intake
Change in spinal excitability
H reflex
Time frame: Pre drug-intake, 30minutes, 60minutes, 90minutes, 120minutes post drug-intake
Change in spasticity
Cutaneomuscular reflex
Time frame: Pre drug-intake, 30minutes, 60minutes, 90minutes, 120minutes post drug-intake
Change in movement performance
Leg cycling
Time frame: Pre drug-intake, 120-150minutes post drug-intake
Serum Analysis 5-HIAA
5-HIAA (serum)
Time frame: 90-120minutes post drug-intake
Serum Analysis 5-HT
5-HT (serum)
Time frame: 90-120minutes post drug-intake
Whole blood analysis 5-HT
5-HT (whole blood)
Time frame: 90-120minutes post drug-intake
Serum analysis Cortisol
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Carbidopa (50mg)
Cortisol level
Time frame: 90-120minutes post drug-intake
Serum and Urine Analysis of dopamine
catecholamines and homovanillic acid (urine)
Time frame: 90-120min post drug-intake
Serum Catechloamines
catecholamines and homovanillic acid (urine)
Time frame: 90-120minutes post drug-intake
Urine Homovanillic acid
homovanillic acid (urine)
Time frame: 90-120minutes post drug-intake