Investigating how the brain senses salt in people with high blood pressure
Official title: Forebrain Electroneutral Transporters in Salt-sensitive Hypertension: an MRI Study
Run by University of Delaware · NCT06094816 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
| Ages | 40 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Delaware Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, Delaware) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 5, 2024 |
| Main results expected | January 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | March 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06094816 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are middle-aged adults aged 40 to 60 with high blood pressure and a BMI within the normal range.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of cardiovascular, renal, metabolic, or neurological diseases may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatments for managing salt-sensitive hypertension.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this study is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding sodium sensing mechanisms.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Megan Wenner, PhD
- Email: mwenner@udel.edu
- Phone: 3028317343
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Salt sensitivity test using N-of-1 trials in people with high blood pressure
This study tests, in individuals with elevated blood pressure, whether their blood pressure responds differently to high-sodium versus low-sodium diets using a series of single-person trials.
-
IsoLG scavenger 2-HOBA for salt sensitivity of blood pressure
This study tests whether the IsoLG scavenger 2-HOBA can reduce salt sensitivity and immune activation in adults with salt-sensitive hypertension.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.