Investigating the role of a specific factor in blood flow regulation

Endothelial Derived Hyperpolarization Factor and Regulation of Cerebral and Muscle Blood Flow

Phase 4 Interventional University of Oklahoma · NCT05176379

This study is testing how blocking a specific factor in the body affects blood flow to muscles and the brain during exercise and stress in healthy people.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 30 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Oklahoma Academic / other
Locations1 site (Norman, Oklahoma)
Trial IDNCT05176379 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore the role of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) in regulating blood flow to muscles and the brain during periods of sympathetic activation and exercise. Using lower body negative pressure (LBNP) to simulate increased sympathetic nerve activity, the researchers will assess how inhibiting EDHF affects cardiovascular responses and tissue oxygenation. The study will involve comparing physiological responses under placebo and acute EDHF inhibition using Fluconazole. The findings could enhance our understanding of vascular control mechanisms in healthy individuals.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are normotensive, premenopausal women with a BMI under 30, free from cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with cardiovascular or metabolic diseases, those on specific medications, or pregnant women are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing cardiovascular complications associated with cardiometabolic diseases.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific role of EDHF in this context is less explored, similar studies investigating vascular control mechanisms have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Normotensive (systolic blood pressure \< 130 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure \< 85 mmHg) individuals
* Individuals free of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disease
* Individuals free of any form of autonomic dysfunction
* Individuals with a BMI under 30 kg/m²
* Women that are premenopausal with a regular menstrual cycle (26-30 days)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Smokers, tobacco users (regular use in the last 6 months)
* Individuals with a blood pressure greater than 130/85
* Subjects who use Amiodarone, Sulphaphenazole
* Subjects who use S-warfarin, Tolbutamine, Phenytoin, Lonafarnib
* Cardiometabolic medication use (e.g. anti-hypertensives, insulin-sensitizing, statins)
* Sex hormone replacement medical use (e.g. testosterone, estrogen, progesterone)
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Norman, Oklahoma

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 Healthybrain blood flowmuscle blood flowendothelial function
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.