The Role of Conformational Diseases on Macrophage Function
University of Florida
Summary
The purpose of this study is to look at how Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency and Cystic Fibrosis (CF) affect white blood cells in the lungs, called macrophages, and their ability to work.
Description
AAT deficiency is a genetic disorder that affects around 100,000 people in the USA, including 1-3% of all people diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In AAT deficient people diagnosed with COPD, it was originally believed the cause of the disease was due to a lack of supply of alpha-1 antitrypsin. However, early information gathered in our laboratory suggests another cause of the development of COPD and the progressing of the disease may be due to a malfunction in macrophages. CF is also a genetic disorder which affects 1/300 births among the Caucasian population. One…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Signed informed consent * Male or female 18 years of age or older * Negative pregnancy test for women of childbearing potential * Hemoglobin \>12.5 g/dl measured on the day of participation * Negative urine nicotine test Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Weight \< 50 kg * History of anemia requiring blood transfusions, erythropoietin supplementation, or iron supplementation within the past 36 months * Known hemoglobin \<12.5 g/dl within the past 90 days * Systolic blood pressure \> 180 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure \>100 mmHg * Poor venous acces…
Interventions
- ProcedureHistory and physical exam.
At every study visit, participant's will be asked about their medical history and will have a physical exam.
- ProcedureBlood draw.
At each study visit, participants will have an intravenous catheter (IV) placed in one of their veins and blood will be drawn from the IV for study testing.
- ProcedurePulmonary function testing.
At every study visit, participants will have their lung function assessed. This is done by blowing forcefully at least 3 times into a tube. Testing will be done two times; before and after the use of an Albuterol inhaler.
- DrugAlbuterol inhaler.
At every study visit, participating subjects will take 2 puffs of an Albuterol inhaler after the first set of PFTs, but before the second set of PFTs. There will be at least a 30 minute period after the use of the Albuterol inhaler and the second set of PFTs.
Location
- Shands at the University of FloridaGainesville, Florida