Modulation of Cerebral Blood Flow Using Iron Chelators

Hypoxia-Inducible Transcription Factor 1 (HIF-1)in Vascular Aging

The purpose of this study is determine if the iron chelator, desferrioxamine can increase blood levels of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1 (HIF-1 protein) and to see if there is a corresponding increase in blood flow to the brain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• healthy adults between the ages of 18-80 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

• subjects taking vasoactive medications,
• hypertension,
• pregnant women, smokers,
• COPD,
• asthma,
• diabetes mellitus,
• intracranial or carotid stenosis,
• hepatic disease,
• renal disease,
• bone marrow suppression,
• cardiac disease,
• heart failure,
• iron deficiency,
• history of cancer,
• history of head trauma,
• subarachnoid hemorrhage,
• central nervous system vasculitis,
• multiple sclerosis,
• migraines,
• seizures,
• sickle cell disease or trait,
• cardiac arrhythmia,
• unable to give informed consent, or
• poor transcranial Doppler insonation windows.