RecruitingPhase 4NCT06263452

Beta-Blocker Influences on Inflammatory and Neural Responses to Stress

Sponsor

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Enrollment

120 participants

Start Date

May 1, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Cardiovascular Disease

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.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 30 Years

Inclusion Criteria4

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 Criteria21

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 (systolic blood pressure < 80mmHg)
Self-reported physical illnesses: diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, autoimmune disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, lupus
Any self-reported diagnosed mental illness
Current use of prescription medications (except hormonal contraceptives)
Current or recent regular nicotine/tobacco use (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vape, chewing tobacco, nicotine gum)
Current regular (daily or almost daily) recreational drug use = 4 or more times per week
Instructed against during Session I, reassessed at Session II:
Received any vaccine within the past two weeks
Severe sleep disturbance (3-4 hours of sleep loss) the night before Session II
Vigorous physical activity on the day of Session II
Acute illness or allergy symptoms on the day of Session II
Usage of over-the-counter medications on the day of Session II
Usage of recreational drugs within 48 hours of Session II
Usage of alcohol on the day of Session II