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.

Angiotensin has a powerful ability to cause blood vessels constrict and reduces their diameter. One of the actions of apelin is to cause blood vessels to relax and the investigators specifically wish test the hypothesis that apelin will cause blood vessels constricted by angiotensin II to relax.

Inclusion Criteria:

• > 18 years old

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