Actively Recruiting
Cerebrovascular Responses to Acute Hypoperfusion in Young Adults Using MRI and Prazosin
Led by University of Wisconsin, Madison · Updated on 2025-12-18
36
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying how blood flow in the brain changes in healthy young adults aged 20 to 40 years. This study focuses on understanding cerebrovascular control during specific challenges, such as a simulated postural change test and breathing increased levels of carbon dioxide. These challenges help evaluate how brain blood vessels respond to changes in blood flow, which is important because decreases in cerebral blood flow may increase risks of cognitive problems as people age. Participants will undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans while performing tasks that simulate changes in posture and increased carbon dioxide breathing. During the study, some participants will receive a dose of prazosin based on their body weight, while others will receive an oral placebo. The study includes two visits, each lasting up to 240 minutes, during which brain blood velocity and blood flow changes will be measured. Throughout the study, participants will be monitored for changes in brain blood flow using MRI scans during the tasks. They will be assessed for blood velocity and blood flow changes to understand cerebrovascular responses. The study also includes screening for health conditions and medication use to ensure safety. Participation involves two study visits with detailed monitoring, and the total involvement period extends until the final outcome measurements are completed.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Brain Blood Vessel Responses to Changes in Blood Flow: Younger Cohort
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Between the ages of 20-40 years
- Have a BMI �34.5 kg/m2
- Are less than 72 inches (182.88 cm) in height
- Nonsmoker
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease (AD)
- History or evidence of hepatic disease, hematological disease, or peripheral vascular disease; severe kidney injury requiring hemodialysis
- History of cardiovascular disease including severe congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease (stents, coronary artery bypass grafts), and tachycardia
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- History of clinically significant ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, or significant cerebrovascular disease
- Severe untreated obstructive sleep apnea
- History of diabetes with HbA1c greater than 9.5 percent
- Major neurologic disorders other than dementia (e.g., MS, ALS, brain surgery, etc.)
- Current or recent (less than 1 year) major psychiatric condition (Axis I) or addictive disorders
- Significant surgical history
- Other significant medical conditions at investigators' discretion
- Contraindications to MRI
- Prescribed medications that interfere with prazosin
- Lactose allergy
- Lower body will not fit in lower body negative pressure (LBNP) chamber (regardless of overall height and BMI)
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 - Each visit up to 240 minutes
Participants undergo two study visits during which they receive a dose of prazosin or placebo and complete MRI scans while performing breathing and simulated postural change tasks to assess cerebrovascular responses.
2 visits (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin, United States, 53705
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Anna Howery
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
1
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