Actively Recruiting
Sympathetic Neurovascular Transduction: Role of Adrenergic Receptors and Sex Differences
Led by University of Alberta · Updated on 2026-01-08
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
213 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The main purpose of this interventional study is to examine differences in resting blood pressure control between healthy males and females. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Are there sex differences in the communication between the sympathetic nervous system (also known as the "fight or flight" response) and peripheral blood vessels (which influence systemic blood pressure)? 2. What is the role of specific vascular receptors that respond to sympathetic signals, and is it different between males and females? Participants will complete one study visit of approximately 3 hours where they will: * Have a blood sample taken to measure circulating sex hormone and sympathetic transmitters. * Receive very small doses of medications commonly used to adjust blood pressure through an artery in their arm. The effects of these medications will be short-acting and localized to the forearm. * Have their sympathetic nervous activity directly measured through two very small needles (similar to acupuncture needles) in the side of their leg. * Have their blood pressure and heart rate recorded, and forearm blood flow measured using ultrasound.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Sympathetic Neurovascular Transduction: Role of Adrenergic Receptors and Sex Differences
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Between ages 18-40 years
- No diagnosed medical history of cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous system, or metabolic disease
- Females must be pre-menopausal
- Abstained from caffeine, alcohol, strenuous exercise, and medications not taken regularly for at least 12 hours before the study visit
You will not qualify if you...
- Current diagnosis of cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous system, or metabolic disease affecting blood pressure regulation
- Bleeding or clotting disorders or currently taking blood thinners
- Use of beta-agonist inhalers within the last 24 hours
- Females who are pregnant, less than 1 year postpartum, breastfeeding, or post-menopausal
- Body mass index greater than 30 kg/m2 (classified as obese)
- Regular smoking history in the last 6 months (nicotine substitutes allowed)
- Allergy to sulfites or components of study drugs
- Taking medications contraindicated with study drugs such as MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants
- Non-adherence to pre-testing guidelines for diet, alcohol, or exercise will lead to rescheduling
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2R3
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Emily Vanden Berg, MSc
CONTACT
N
Nicholas Cheung, MSc
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
3
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here