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Comparing Methods to Measure Blood Vessel Function

This study aims to compare different ways to measure how well your small blood vessels (microvasculature) in the skin work, specifically how they widen (dilate) due to nitric oxide. Researchers are looking at two methods: heating the skin to 42°C versus 39°C, and also using a drug called acetylcholine, sometimes with L-NAME (which blocks nitric oxide production). You might be eligible if you are a man or woman between 18 and 30 years old and are not currently taking certain medications that could affect blood vessel function. The study will measure how your blood flow responds to these different tests to see which method is best. The study plans to enroll 56 participants, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study comparing different methods to assess blood vessel function. It plans to enroll 56 participants.
What's involved
You would participate in a single study visit lasting an average of 4 hours, during which your microvascular blood flow response to different heating temperatures and acetylcholine will be measured.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your microvascular blood flow responses will be measured at a single baseline study visit, which lasts an average of 4 hours.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06499844

Comparing Approaches to Assess Nitric Oxide-dependent Cutaneous Vasodilation

Recruiting
EARLY_PHASE1Ages 18–30InterventionalBasic science
University of Iowa
~56 participants
Updated 2025-08-24 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Acetylcholine

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Microvascular blood flow response to acetylcholine
Measured over baseline study visit (average of 4 hours)
+2 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Endothelial Function

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NCT06499844

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • University of Iowa

    Iowa City, Iowastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Who to contact

Anna Stanhewicz, PhD
[email protected]
3194671732
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

men and women
18-30 years of age

Exclusion

Current or recent (within 8 wks) use of medication that could conceivably alter microvascular function \[including (but not limited to) stimulants, antihypertensives, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors\]
Changes or alterations in medication status (starting a new, additional, or different medication or changing the dose of a current medication)
Unstable or diagnosed chronic clinical disease, including cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, hepatic, autonomic, autoimmune, or dermatological disease (e.g., hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, psoriasis)
Body mass index \<18.5 or \>35 kg/m2
Pregnancy (including a positive urine pregnancy test) or breast-feeding
Known allergies to pharmacological agents or study drugs
Non-English-speaking. Participants need to understand English to follow instructions and comply with procedures conducted during the screening and experimental visits.

What this trial measures

  • Microvascular blood flow response to acetylcholinebaseline study visit (average of 4 hours)

    cutaneous vascular vasodilator response to exogenous acetylcholine perfusion; measured with laser-Doppler flowmetry coupled with intradermal microdialysis delivery of acetylcholine alone or co-infused with L-NAME

  • Microvascular blood flow response to local heat (42 degrees Celsius)baseline study visit (average of 4 hours)

    cutaneous vascular vasodilator response to 42 degree local heat; measured with laser-Doppler flowmetry coupled with intradermal microdialysis delivery of lactated Ringer's, followed by L-NAME.

  • Microvascular blood flow response to local heat (39 degrees Celsius)baseline study visit (average of 4 hours)

    cutaneous vascular vasodilator response to 39 degree local heat; measured with laser-Doppler flowmetry coupled with intradermal microdialysis delivery of lactated Ringer's, followed by L-NAME.