Effects of beta-blockers on stress-related inflammation and brain responses
Beta-Blocker Influences on Inflammatory and Neural Responses to Stress
This study tests if the heart medication propranolol can help reduce stress-related inflammation and improve brain responses in people dealing with psychological stress.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chapel Hill, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT06263452 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates how the beta-adrenergic receptor blocker propranolol influences neural and inflammatory responses to psychological stress. By examining the role of beta-adrenergic signaling, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that link stress to cardiovascular disease through inflammation. Participants will undergo neuroimaging to assess changes in brain activity and inflammation levels when administered propranolol compared to a placebo. This approach combines pharmacological manipulation with advanced imaging techniques to provide causal evidence of the effects of stress on cardiovascular health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy right-handed individuals aged 18-30 with a body mass index of 35 kg/m² or less who are fluent in English.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, mental illness, or those currently taking prescription medications are unlikely to benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new interventions that reduce inflammation and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals experiencing psychological stress.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, previous research has indicated that beta-blockers can influence stress responses and inflammation, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 18-30 years * Right-handed * Fluent in English reading, writing, and speaking at least at a 10th grade level * Body mass index (BMI) less than or equal to 35 kg/m\^2 Exclusion Criteria: Assessed as screening, reassessed at Session I: * Non-removeable metal devices/implants/objects in the body * Severe claustrophobia (assessed by self-report) * Currently pregnant * Left-handed * Body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 kg/m\^2 * History of fainting spells or any heart condition * History of or present low resting heart rate (\< 60 BPM) and/or low blood pressure (systolic blood pressure \< 80mmHg) * Self-reported physical illnesses: diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, autoimmune disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, lupus * Any self-reported diagnosed mental illness * Current use of prescription medications (except hormonal contraceptives) * Current or recent regular nicotine/tobacco use (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vape, chewing tobacco, nicotine gum) * Current regular (daily or almost daily) recreational drug use = 4 or more times per week Instructed against during Session I, reassessed at Session II: * Received any vaccine within the past two weeks * Severe sleep disturbance (3-4 hours of sleep loss) the night before Session II * Vigorous physical activity on the day of Session II * Acute illness or allergy symptoms on the day of Session II * Usage of over-the-counter medications on the day of Session II * Usage of recreational drugs within 48 hours of Session II * Usage of alcohol on the day of Session II
Where this trial is running
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Social Neuroscience and Health Laboratory — Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Keely Muscatell, PhD — University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Jonathan Bunting, BS
- Email: jonb@unc.edu
- Phone: 9164957661
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.