Angiotensin-(1-7) Cardiovascular Effects in Aging
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Summary
Aging is an independent risk factor for developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease; however, the mechanisms underlying age-related cardiovascular disease remain poorly understood. One hallmark of aging is an increase in sympathetic nervous system activity, which can decrease the number and/or sensitivity of β2 adrenergic receptors to reduce dilation of blood vessels and increase blood pressure. Identifying new targets to restore vascular β2 adrenergic receptor signaling may help reduce cardiovascular risk in aging. This study will test the hypothesis that angiotensin-(1-7), a protective hormone of the renin-angiotensin system, can reduce cardiovascular sympathetic outflow and blood pressure and improve endothelial function in older healthy humans.
Description
A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study will be conducted to determine if acute intravenous angiotensin-(1-7) infusion can reduce cardiovascular sympathetic tone and blood pressure and improve the function of blood vessels in older healthy individuals. This is an outpatient study that requires a screening visit, and if eligible, two study visits separated by at least one week in the Clinical Research Center within the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The study visits will include intravenous infusion of angiotensin-(1-7) or saline for approximately two hours…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 65–80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women of all races and ethnicities * Capable of giving informed consent * Fluent in written and spoken English * Age 65-80 years * Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2 * Normotensive defined as seated blood pressure \<130/80 mmHg and without hypertensive medications * Satisfactory history and physical exam Exclusion Criteria: * Age \< 65 or \> 80 years * Women who are pregnant, nursing, or taking hormone replacement therapy * Decisional impairment * Prisoners * Current or recent (less than 6 months) recreational drug history or excessive alcohol abus…
Interventions
- DrugAngiotensin-(1-7)
This is a biologically active endogenous angiotensin peptide that may play an important role in regulation of blood pressure.
- DrugSaline
Saline will be used as the placebo comparator.
Location
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical CenterHershey, Pennsylvania