Inflammation may hijack the Brain's reward system in depressed women

NCT ID NCT03848715

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looked at how inflammation affects the brain's reward system in 40 younger women with depression. Participants received either an endotoxin (to trigger temporary inflammation) or a placebo, and researchers measured changes in how they responded to rewards like money or smiling faces. The goal was to better understand the link between inflammation and depression, which could help identify new ways to intervene.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Endotoxin
What this could lead to: If successful, this research could point toward new ways to prevent or treat depression by targeting inflammation-related reward system changes.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study (40 participants) focused on understanding mechanisms, not testing a treatment. Results may not lead directly to therapies.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Anhedonia Depression depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANHEDONIA DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Norman Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, University of California, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States

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