Actively Recruiting
Angiotensin-(1-7) Cardiovascular Effects in Aging
Led by Milton S. Hershey Medical Center · Updated on 2025-09-19
26
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
M
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
N
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how aging affects the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, focusing on the role of the sympathetic nervous system and blood vessel function. The study explores whether angiotensin-(1-7), a hormone that may protect the cardiovascular system, can reduce sympathetic nervous system activity, lower blood pressure, and improve blood vessel function in healthy older adults. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study involves two outpatient visits where participants receive either intravenous angiotensin-(1-7) or saline. The angiotensin-(1-7) infusion is administered in escalating doses over about two hours, followed by a steady dose, while saline is given in a matching volume. Each visit lasts around four hours, with at least one week separating the two sessions. During the study visits, participants undergo continuous monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle sympathetic nerve activity. Endothelial function is assessed, and blood samples and endothelial cells are collected before and after infusions. Researchers will measure changes in sympathetic nerve activity, blood vessel diameter, blood pressure, heart rate, and plasma catecholamines to evaluate the effects of angiotensin-(1-7) in aging. The study is conducted at a medical center and includes a screening visit to determine eligibility.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Angiotensin-(1-7) Cardiovascular Effects in Aging
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Men and women of all races and ethnicities
- Able to give informed consent
- Fluent in written and spoken English
- Age between 65 and 80 years
- Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2
- Normal blood pressure (less than 130/80 mmHg) without hypertension medications
- Satisfactory medical history and physical exam
You will not qualify if you...
- Younger than 65 or older than 80 years
- Women who are pregnant, nursing, or using hormone replacement therapy
- Decisional impairment
- Prisoners
- Recent recreational drug use or excessive alcohol use (more than 14 drinks per week)
- Current smokers
- Highly trained athletes
- Type I or II diabetes or on anti-diabetic medication
- Hypertension or serious cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease
- Immunological or hematological disorders
- Liver dysfunction (AST or ALT above twice normal)
- Kidney dysfunction (serum creatinine above 2.0 mg/dl)
- Anemia
- Taking drugs affecting sympathetic activity (e.g., serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, stimulants)
- On anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin)
- Recent systemic glucocorticoid therapy (more than 7 consecutive days in past month)
- Participation in investigational drug studies within one month
- Allergy or contraindication to ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers
- Unable or unwilling to give informed consent
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Two visits separated by at least 1 week
Participants receive intravenous infusions of angiotensin-(1-7) or saline during two study visits separated by at least one week. Each visit includes escalating doses followed by a steady-state infusion lasting approximately 110 minutes. Measurements such as endothelial function, blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle sympathetic nerve activity are collected during the infusions.
2 visits (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States, 17033
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Aimee Cauffman, RN
A
Amy Arnold, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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