Understanding the Importance of Plasticity in the Brain Mechanisms of Dyspnoea Perception
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
About this trial
This is an interventional basic science trial for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease focused on measuring dyspnea, fmri, d-cycloserine
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Males and females with chronic lung disease, aged between 45 and 85 years old who have been referred for pulmonary rehabilitation.
- The subject is able and willing to give fully informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
Any of the commonly accepted contraindications to MRI scanning, for example, severe claustrophobia, presence of metallic implants, a pacemaker etc.
- Pregnancy. The risk to foetus of radiofrequency energy of the MRI scan is unknown.
- Inadequate understanding of verbal and written information in English, sufficient to complete an MRI safety screening.
- Unable to lie flat and still for 1/2 hour
- Requirements for oxygen therapy
- Significant cardiac, neurological, psychiatric or metabolic disease
- Contra-indications to d-cycloserine: Alcoholism, known hypersensitivity, severe renal failure
- Regular therapy with prescribed opioid analgesics
- Antidepressant therapy (this may alter hippocampal plasticity)
- Previous pulmonary rehabilitation (because the learning may be different on repeat pulmonary rehabilitation treatments)
Sites / Locations
- Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance ImagingRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Placebo Comparator
Active Comparator
Drug: d-cycloserine or placebo
D-cycloserine
Other Names: comparison of d-cycloserine or placebo on enhancing the beneficial effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on breathlessness perception 250mg d-cycloserine or identical placebo given immediately to the first 4 sessions of a 6-week course pulmonary rehabilitation
Placebo Comparator: Drug: d-cycloserine or placebo Other Names: comparison of d-cycloserine or placebo on enhancing the beneficial effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on breathlessness perception 250mg d-cycloserine or identical placebo given immediately to the first 4 sessions of a 6-week course pulmonary rehabilitation