Investigating how the brain senses salt in people with high blood pressure
Forebrain Electroneutral Transporters in Salt-sensitive Hypertension: an MRI Study
This study is testing how the brain reacts to salt in people with high blood pressure to see if there are differences between those who are sensitive to salt and those who aren't.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Delaware Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, Delaware) |
| Trial ID | NCT06094816 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to identify the brain regions responsible for sensing sodium levels and understand the mechanisms behind sodium sensing in individuals with high blood pressure. Participants will undergo MRI scans during a saline infusion to observe brain responses to increased salt in the blood. The study will compare responses between salt-sensitive and salt-resistant adults, utilizing a crossover design with and without a salt-sensing channel blocker. The findings could enhance our understanding of blood pressure regulation and its implications for public health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are middle-aged adults aged 40 to 60 with high blood pressure and a BMI within the normal range.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of cardiovascular, renal, metabolic, or neurological diseases may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatments for managing salt-sensitive hypertension.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding sodium sensing mechanisms.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: \> 40 years or \< 60 years * Blood pressure: \> 100/60 mmHg or \< 140/90 mmHg * BMI: \> 18.5 kg/m2 or \< 35 kg/m2 * Serum potassium: \> 3.5 mmol/L or \< 5.5 mmol/L * No history of cardiovascular, renal, metabolic, or neurological disease Exclusion Criteria: * Age: \< 40 years or \> 60 years * Blood pressure: \< 100/60 mmHg or \> 140/90 mmHg * BMI: \< 18.5 kg/m2 or \> 30 kg/m2 * Serum potassium: \< 3.5 mmol/L or \> 5.5 mmol/L * Abnormal ECG * History of - cardiovascular, cancer, metabolic, respiratory, renal disease * Hormone replacement therapy * Current tobacco or nicotine use * Pregnant or nursing mothers * Major brain injury (concussions do not count) * Clinically diagnosed psychiatric or neurological disorder * Clinically diagnosed anxiety or depression * Psychiatric, neurological, anxiety or depression medications * Hypertension medications * Sulfonamide drug allergy * Contra-indications to MRI (implants, metal, etc) * Claustrophobia
Where this trial is running
Newark, Delaware
- University of Delaware — Newark, Delaware, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Megan Wenner, PhD
- Email: mwenner@udel.edu
- Phone: 3028317343
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.