RecruitingNCT07227727

Endothelial Dysfunction After SCI

Endothelial Dysfunction After SCI: Mechanism and Therapeutic Target for SCI-related Cardiovascular Disease

Sponsor

Craig Hospital

Enrollment

40 participants

Start Date

Jul 31, 2025

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Conditions

Endothelial Dysfunction Spinal Cord Injuries

Summary

This study plans to learn how endothelial cells, single cell lining of blood vessels may be dysfunctional after a spinal cord injury. Endothelial dysfunction will be measured by the capacity of blood vessels to vasodilate (increase in size) and alter blood flow is lower in adults with a spinal cord injury in comparison to adults without a spinal cord injury. The mechanisms which may alter this function may be critical in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with spinal cord injuries.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria5

Over age 18 years
Chronic (>12 months) SCI
Motor complete (AIS A/B) SCI
Paraplegia (neurological level of injury \[NLI\] at T2 or below)
Over age 18 years

Exclusion Criteria7

Overt chronic diseases as assessed by: a) clinically documented medical history; b) physical examination; c) blood pressure and ECG at rest; and d) complete blood chemistries and hematological evaluation.
Active infection
Recent (< 3 months) surgery
Current smoking history (within past 12 months)
Report more than low-risk alcohol consumption
History of drug abuse
Currently taking cardiovascular (statins, beta-blockers) therapeutics and/or other medications that could influence the outcome measures

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Interventions

PROCEDUREIntra-arterial Infusion of Vasoactive Agents

A catheter is placed in the brachial artery of the non-dominant arm, and small doses of vasoactive drugs \[acetylcholine (Ach), isoproterenol (ISO), sodium nitroprusside (SNP)\] are infused. Forearm blood flow (FBF) is measured using venous occlusion plethysmography. The purpose of this procedure is to assess endothelium-dependent and independent vasodilation by stimulating different vascular pathways. The Ach infusion is to test muscarinic receptor, nitro oxide (NO) dependent, endothelium-dependent vasodilation. ISO infusion is to evaluate β-adrenergic, NO-dependent endothelium-dependent vasodilation. SNP infusion is to assess endothelium-independent vasodilation.

PROCEDUREIntra-arterial Vitamin C Infusion

Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, will be infused into the arm and forearm blood flow (FBF) will be re-evaluated to determine whether oxidative stress contributes to endothelial dysfunction.

PROCEDUREBlood Sampling

Blood will be sampled from the antecubital vein (\~50 mL) for biomarker analysis. This is to assess circulating biochemical and molecular indicators of vascular health and inflammation including levels of endothelial cell derived microvesicles (EMVs)