Assessing skin blood flow responses to different heating temperatures

Comparing Approaches to Assess Nitric Oxide-dependent Cutaneous Vasodilation

EARLY_PHASE1 · University of Iowa · NCT06499844

This study is testing whether heating the skin to 39°C or 42°C helps us better understand how nitric oxide affects blood flow in small blood vessels.

Quick facts

PhaseEARLY_PHASE1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment56 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 30 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Iowa (other)
Locations1 site (Iowa City, Iowa)
Trial IDNCT06499844 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares two methods of assessing nitric oxide-dependent cutaneous vasodilation by examining skin blood flow responses to local heating at 39°C and 42°C. The researchers utilize a minimally invasive technique called intradermal microdialysis to deliver pharmaceutical agents and analyze microvascular function in a small area of the skin. The goal is to determine which temperature provides a more accurate measurement of nitric oxide's role in blood vessel dilation. This could enhance our understanding of endothelial function and microvascular health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy men and women aged 18-30 years.

Not a fit: Patients with unstable chronic diseases or those on medications affecting microvascular function may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved methods for assessing microvascular function, which may benefit patients with vascular-related conditions.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been limited direct comparison of these heating protocols, the approach is innovative and could provide new insights into microvascular assessment.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* men and women
* 18-30 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current or recent (within 8 wks) use of medication that could conceivably alter microvascular function \[including (but not limited to) stimulants, antihypertensives, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors\]
* Changes or alterations in medication status (starting a new, additional, or different medication or changing the dose of a current medication)
* Unstable or diagnosed chronic clinical disease, including cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, hepatic, autonomic, autoimmune, or dermatological disease (e.g., hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, psoriasis)
* Body mass index \<18.5 or \>35 kg/m2
* Pregnancy (including a positive urine pregnancy test) or breast-feeding
* Known allergies to pharmacological agents or study drugs
* Non-English-speaking. Participants need to understand English to follow instructions and comply with procedures conducted during the screening and experimental visits.

Where this trial is running

Iowa City, Iowa

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Endothelial Function

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.