The goal of this study is to examine possible mechanisms of heightened vasoconstriction in Black/African American men and women as possible links to the elevated prevalence of cardiovascular dysfunction and disease. The main targets in this study are sources of oxidative stress.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) afflicts nearly one-third of the adult population with all races and ethnicities represented in CVD prevalence. Unfortunately, a disparity exists such that the black population (BL) is disproportionately affected compared to other groups, including the white population (WH). While the underlying cause of this disparity is multifactorial, vascular dysfunction (i.e., impaired vasodilation and/or augmented vasoconstriction) is a key contributor. As has been previously observed, BL exhibit a heightened vasoconstrictor response to both pharmacological (e.g., alpha-adrenergic receptor agonists) and environmental (e.g., cold pressor test) stimuli compared to their WH counterparts. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the subsequent reduction in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability may partially mediate this response. Interestingly, the small blood vessels in the skin (cutaneous microvasculature) in BL, but otherwise healthy individuals, produce an impaired blood flow response to local heating when compared to age-, body mass index (BMI)-, and gender-matched WH. However, pre-treatment of the cutaneous microvasculature with either allopurinol or apocynin (xanthine oxidase inhibitor and NADPH oxidase inhibitor, respectively) abolishes this skin blood flow difference. These drugs inhibit possible sources of ROS, which, as mentioned, may be mediating the heightened vasoconstrictor response in BL. Accordingly, apocynin administration in previous research using an animal model ameliorates alpha-adrenergic receptor-mediated vasoconstriction, possibly due to a reduction in ROS. The role of xanthine/NADPH oxidase and the production of ROS on alpha-adrenergic receptor-mediated vasoconstriction in humans remains unknown.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
24
This intervention is aimed at assessing the vascular responsiveness to phenylephrine, an alpha 1-agonist, in white and black men and women across a series of ascending dose concentrations.
This intervention is meant to assess the impact of NADPH oxidase-derived superoxide on vasoconstrictor responses by inhibiting the enzyme NADPH oxidase.
This intervention is meant to assess the impact of xanthine oxidase-derived superoxide on vasoconstrictor responses by inhibiting the enzyme xanthine oxidase.
Science and Engineering Research and Innovation Building
Arlington, Texas, United States
Vasoconstrictor Responsiveness to Phenylephrine using Laser Doppler Fluxmetry
Establish heightened vasoconstriction to phenylephrine stimulation in black men and women with a focus on black women. Following local infusions of phenylephrine, the changes in blood flux will be quantified using laser Doppler fluxmetry. All changes in flux will be normalized and reported as a percentage of baseline flux.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 Year
Role of Oxidative Stress in Heightened Vasoconstriction using Laser Doppler Fluxmetry
Determine to what degree superoxide, either generally available or produced through xanthine/NADPH oxidases, contributes to heightened phenylephrine-mediated vasoconstriction. Following local coninfusions of phenylephrine with apocynin, allopurinol, or tempol, the changes in blood flux will be quantified using laser Doppler fluxmetry. All changes in flux will be normalized and reported as a percentage of baseline flux.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 Year
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This intervention is meant to assess the impact of superoxide on vasoconstrictor responses by scavenging available superoxide.