Interaction of Apelin and Angiotensin in the Human Forearm Circulation

University of Edinburgh

Status: Completed

Conditions: Vasodilation; Heart Disease

Treatments: Drug: Noradrenaline infusion; Drug: Angiotensin II

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT00901745

FS/09/019/26905 - 1b

Details and patient eligibility

About

The apelin-APJ system is a relatively new discovery. It has generated interest in part due to it's apparent ability to counteract the renin-angiotensin system, which is frequently overactive in many cardiovascular disease.

Apelin has the ability to cause blood vessels to relax, increasing their diameter and hence blood flow down the blood vessel. The researchers wish to investigate the hypothesis that an infusion of apelin will reduce the effects of angiotensin II, which is know to reduce the diameter of blood vessels.

Enrollment: 12 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 85 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• > 18 years old
• Healthy volunteers

Exclusion criteria

• Lack of informed consent

• Age < 18 years,

• Current involvement in other research studies,

• Systolic blood pressure >190 mmHg or <100 mmHg

• Malignant arrhythmias

• Renal or hepatic failure

• Haemodynamically significant aortic stenosis

• Severe or significant co morbidity

• Women of childbearing potential.

• Any regular medication

  • Previous history of any cardiovascular disease

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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12 participants in 2 patient groups

Infusion of apelin

Experimental group

Description:

Using forearm venous occlusion plethysmography apelin will be infused to cause reduction in forearm blood flow. Infusion of angiotensin II and noradrenaline will given and vasoconstriction will be assessed. Blood samples for the infused arm and contra-lateral arm will be taken at regular time points to assess local and systemic changes in relevant hormones.

Treatment:

Drug: Angiotensin II

Drug: Noradrenaline infusion

Sodium nitroprusside infusion

Active Comparator group

Description:

Using forearm venous occlusion plethysmography sodium nitroprusside will be infused to cause reduction in forearm blood flow. Infusion of angiotensin II and noradrenaline will given and vasoconstriction will be assessed. Blood samples for the infused arm and contra-lateral arm will be taken at regular time points to assess local and systemic changes in relevant hormones.

Treatment:

Drug: Angiotensin II

Drug: Noradrenaline infusion