Microglia Activation in Asthma
Eligible age
18–75 yrs
Accepts
All genders
Locations
1 state
Healthy volunteers
No
See if you qualify for this study
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About this study
The goal of this clinical trail is to learn about how asthma influences brain function. The main questions it aims to answer are: * How airway inflammation in asthma affects the brain; and, * Whether airway inflammation in asthma is related to symptoms of depression and anxiety Over the course of 6 visits, participants will: * Complete questionnaires * Complete computer tasks * Undergo allergy skin test * Undergo breathing tests including two whole lung allergen challenges * Give four blood samples * Complete brain imaging scans
Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison
You may qualify if…
- ✓ Individuals with no health concerns that might affect the outcome of the study.
- ✓ Age 18-75 years of age.
- ✓ Physician diagnosis of asthma for at least six months prior to screening (can be determined at the discretion of an asthma/allergy physician member of the study team). Mild asthma will be defined as asthma that is well controlled with low-intensity treatment, e.g., SABA alone, as-needed low-dose ICS-LABA, or low-dose ICS plus as-needed SABA.
- ✓ An increase in FEV1 \> 10% predicted after up to 8 puffs of albuterol OR positive methacholine defined as PD20 ≤ 400 mcg. (Historical data that is approved by the investigator is acceptable).
- ✓ FEV1 ≥ 75% predicted at screening Visit 0a.FEV1 ≥ 70% predicted at baseline.
- ✓ Positive immediate skin test for allergies to cat hair and reports asthma symptoms to cats, house dust mite and reports asthma symptoms to dust, or ragweed and reports asthma symptoms to ragweed (historical data documented within the last 5 years with our research group is acceptable).
- ✓ Ability to tolerate a simulated MRI brain scanning session.
- ✓ In the opinion of the investigator, capable and willing to grant written informed consent and cooperate with study procedures and requirements.
You may not qualify if…
- ✕ Current smoker (defined as more than 0.5 pack per week for the past 6 months and any smoking within two weeks of study procedures) or has a smoking history exceeding 5 pack years within the last 10 years
- ✕ Currently receiving allergen immunotherapy
- ✕ Use of psychotropic medication that might affect function of neurocircuitry implicated in the investigator's hypotheses at the discretion of the PI or Co-Investigator (Co-I)
- ✕ Inability to hold medications detailed in the medication hold schedule
- ✕ Needle phobia or claustrophobia
- ✕ Major health problems such any of the following in the last 6 months: stroke/TIA, myocardial Infarction, stent placement, or acute coronary syndrome are definitively exclusionary. Decisions regarding other major health problems, such as autoimmune disease, history of carotid stenosis, heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension, lung diseases other than asthma, history of significant arrhythmias, etc. will be based upon the judgement of the PI/Co-I.
- ✕ Use of biologic medication that might affect signaling pathways under investigation (at the discretion of the PI/Co-I)
- ✕ Pre-existing chronic infectious disease
Where it's recruiting
Madison
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT04307667 · last updated 2026-06-01