Brain Blood Vessel Responses to Changes in Blood Flow

Phase 2

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Cerebrovascular Circulation
• Interventions: Device: MRI; Drug: Prazosin; Drug: Placebo

• Registration Number: NCT06629090
• Lead Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison

Brief Summary

Brain blood flow will be measured during a simulated postural change test and while breathing increased levels of carbon dioxide using magnetic resonance imaging.

Detailed Description

Global cerebral blood flow (CBF) decreases with advancing age; however, some adults have accelerated declines in CBF, placing them at a greater risk of cognitive impairment. However, there is a lack of human studies that investigate the cause or consequence of altered blood flow regulation in the brain. This study will systematically address this gap in knowledge by examining cerebrovascular control in adults during acute physiological challenges (simulated postural change test and breathing increased carbon dioxide) that stimulate a change in CBF.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2024-10
• Study First Submitted: 2024-10-04
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-10-04
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-10-04
• Study First Posted: 2024-10-07
• Last Update Posted: 2024-10-07
• Study Start: 2025-01
• Primary Completion: 2026-08
• Study Completion: 2026-08

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 36

Inclusion Criteria

• Between the ages of 20-40 years
• Have a BMI ≤34.5 kg/m2
• Nonsmoker

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Exclusion Criteria

• Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease (AD)
• History or evidence of hepatic disease, hematological disease, or peripheral vascular disease; severe kidney injury requiring hemodialysis
• History of cardiovascular disease including: severe congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease (stents, coronary artery bypass grafts) and tachycardia
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• History of clinically significant ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, or significant cerebrovascular disease
• Severe untreated obstructive sleep apnea
• History of diabetes with HbA1c greater than 9.5%
• Major neurologic disorders other than dementia (e.g., MS, ALS, brain surgery, etc.)
• Current or recent (<1 year) major psychiatric condition (Axis I) or addictive disorders
• Significant surgical history
• Other significant medical conditions at investigators' discretion
• Contraindications to MRI
• Prescribed medications that interfere with prazosin

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Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Young Adults	MRI	Young Adults between 20-40 years of age.
Young Adults	Placebo	Young Adults between 20-40 years of age.
Young Adults	Prazosin	Young Adults between 20-40 years of age.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in blood velocity	Two study visits, up to 240 minutes	The change in blood velocity during breathing and simulated postural change tasks will be measured with MRI
Change in blood flow	Two study visits, up to 240 minutes	The change in intracranial blood flow during breathing and simulated postural change tasks will be measured with MRI

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Wisconsin; 🇺🇸 Madison, Wisconsin, United States