Interaction of Apelin and Angiotensin in the Human Forearm Circulation

Investigating the Interaction of Apelin and Angiotensin II Peripheral Resistance Vessels in Vivo in Man

The apelin-APJ system is a relatively new discovery. It has generated interest in part due to it's apparent ability to counteract the renin-angiotensin system, which is frequently overactive in many cardiovascular disease.

Apelin has the ability to cause blood vessels to relax, increasing their diameter and hence blood flow down the blood vessel. The researchers wish to investigate the hypothesis that an infusion of apelin will reduce the effects of angiotensin II, which is know to reduce the diameter of blood vessels.

Inclusion Criteria:

• > 18 years old
• Healthy volunteers

Exclusion Criteria:

• Lack of informed consent

• Age < 18 years,

• Current involvement in other research studies,

• Systolic blood pressure >190 mmHg or <100 mmHg

• Malignant arrhythmias

• Renal or hepatic failure

• Haemodynamically significant aortic stenosis

• Severe or significant co morbidity

• Women of childbearing potential.

• Any regular medication

  • Previous history of any cardiovascular disease