Physiological Assessment of the Endothelium - Circadian Rhythm and Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System

Studies on the Physiological Meaning of Flow-mediated Constriction, Flow-mediated Dilatation and Vasomotion/Flowmotion: Circadian Variability and Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether interventions aimed at increasing sympathetic tone modify endothelial function measures as assessed by the measurement of flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and constriction (FMC). The investigators hypothesize that the three interventions under study will increase FMC while causing a blunting in FMD.

Further, the investigators plan to study the circadian variability of FMC and FMD. The investigators hypothesize a peak of FMD in the late hours of the day and a peak of FMC in the early hours.

Inclusion Criteria:

• healthy volunteers with no cardiovascular risk factor, no current disease, normal laboratory parameters and ECG.

Exclusion Criteria:

• any active disease