Beta-Blocker Influences on Inflammatory and Neural Responses to Stress
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Summary
The purpose of this study is to map the neural and molecular mechanisms underlying psychological stress-induced changes in inflammation which could reveal new targets for intervention to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Description
The proposed work will conduct a mechanistic clinical trial utilizing the non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker propranolol to examine the role of beta-adrenergic signaling in shaping neural and inflammatory responses to stress. The investigators will focus on beta-adrenergic signaling given seminal pre-clinical work showing that this molecular pathway is an important driver of stress-related increases in inflammation, and initial human neuroimaging work showing that beta-blockade leads to changes in neural responses to negative stimuli. Here, the investigators will bring these two pr…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–30 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 18-30 years * Right-handed * Fluent in English reading, writing, and speaking at least at a 10th grade level * Body mass index (BMI) less than or equal to 35 kg/m\^2 Exclusion Criteria: Assessed as screening, reassessed at Session I: * Non-removeable metal devices/implants/objects in the body * Severe claustrophobia (assessed by self-report) * Currently pregnant * Left-handed * Body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 kg/m\^2 * History of fainting spells or any heart condition * History of or present low resting heart rate (\< 60 BPM) and/or low blood pressure (syst…
Interventions
- DrugPropranolol
Tablet encapsulated to visually look identical to the placebo.
- DrugPlacebo
Encapsulated sugar pill to visually look identical to the experimental condition.
Location
- Social Neuroscience and Health LaboratoryChapel Hill, North Carolina