Examining how hypoxia affects blood vessel function differently in men and women

Sex-related Differences in Sympathetic Vascular Transduction in the Setting of Hypoxemia

Early Phase 1 Interventional University of Missouri-Columbia · NCT05256069

This study is trying to see how low oxygen levels affect blood vessel function differently in men and women by giving healthy adults a medication or a placebo.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment35 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Missouri-Columbia Academic / other
Locations1 site (Columbia, Missouri)
Trial IDNCT05256069 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore the differences between sexes in how hypoxia influences sympathetic vascular transduction. It involves administering either propranolol or a placebo to healthy adults aged 18-45, while monitoring their vascular responses under hypoxic conditions. The research seeks to enhance understanding of sex-related physiological responses to low oxygen levels, which could inform future treatments. The study is conducted at the University of Missouri-Columbia with collaboration from the American Heart Association.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adult men and women aged 18-45 with a BMI between 18-30.

Not a fit: Patients with cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, or respiratory diseases, as well as those with certain other health conditions, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies for conditions related to vascular function and hypoxia, tailored to sex-specific responses.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into sex differences in vascular responses, this specific approach to studying sympathetic vascular transduction in hypoxia is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* healthy adult men and women;
* 18-45 years of age;
* BMI 18-30 kg/m2;
* non-pregnant/non-breastfeeding;
* non-nicotine users;

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy, breastfeeding, hormonal contraceptives
* Diagnosed sleep apnea
* Current smoking/Nicotine use/drug use
* Nerve/neurologic disease
* Cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, respiratory disease
* Blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg
* Diabetes, Polycystic ovarian syndrome
* Communication barriers
* Prescription medications
* Recent COVID-19 diagnosis with symptoms

Where this trial is running

Columbia, Missouri

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.
Conditions VasodilationHypoxia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.