Understanding how the brain senses sodium for blood pressure regulation
Central Sodium Sensing: Implications for Blood Pressure Regulation
This study is trying to see how the brain detects sodium levels in older adults to better understand how it affects blood pressure.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Delaware Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, Delaware) |
| Trial ID | NCT05480722 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to explore the mechanisms by which the human brain senses sodium levels, particularly in older adults. It focuses on identifying key sodium-sensing regions in the brain and determining the role of the Na-K-2Cl co-transporter in mediating responses to high sodium levels. Using blood oxygen level dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD fMRI), the study will assess neuronal activation and various physiological responses during an acute hypernatremic stimulus. 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 for this study are healthy adults aged 18 to 45 with normal blood pressure and body mass index.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range, with abnormal blood pressure, or those with certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for managing hypertension in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel in humans, similar mechanisms have been explored in animal studies with promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 18 - 45 years * Blood pressure: \>100/60 mmHg and \<130/80 mmHg * BMI: 18.5 kg/m2 - 30 kg/m2 * Serum potassium: 3.5 mmol/L - 5.5 mmol/L Exclusion Criteria: * Age: \< 18 years or \> 45 years * Blood pressure: \< 100/60 mmHg or \> 130/80 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
Where this trial is running
Newark, Delaware
- William B Farquhar — Newark, Delaware, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: William B Farquhar, PhD
- Email: wbf@udel.edu
- Phone: 302-831-6178
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.