Determinants of Forearm Vascular Relaxation: Role of Genetic Polymorphisms

Differences in at least 4 genes are believed to have an important effect on responses to hormones and drugs. For this study, healthy volunteers of normal body weight will be screened to find xxx individuals with the genes of interest. Very small doses of hormones and drugs will be given so that changes in forearm blood flow can be measured, while not causing effects throughout the body. A brachial artery line and venous line will be placed in the study arm so that blood samples may be withdrawn to compare amounts given into the artery and coming out of the vein after circulating through the arm. Forearm blood flow is determined by the rate of swelling of the arm after a blood pressure cuff is inflated (above venous and below arterial blood pressure). The hormones and drugs being studied include angiotensin I, angiotensin II, acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside, enalaprilat, L-arginine, phenylephrine, endothelin-1, verapamil, and isoproterenol. This procedure will last 4-6 hours. The process will be repeated with the same participant over 2 weeks later.