Heart attacks and strokes are among the most common causes of premature death in individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI) and appear to occur earlier in life. The factors that lead to the heighten and accelerated risk of heart attacks and strokes in adults living with SCI remain poorly understood. The investigators aim to uncover why this happens and find ways to prevent it. Our research focuses on how important cells which line blood vessels, called endothelial cells, function after SCI. The investigators test endothelial function in live conscious people with SCI. The investigators also study signaling molecules endothelial cells release called endothelial cell derived microvesicles (EMVs), which the investigators can measure in blood to tell us the health of endothelial cells. By using these rigorous tests of vascular function, the investigators have determined that endothelial cells appear dysfunctional after SCI. The investigators also know that many men with SCI have low testosterone levels. Our team has studied testosterone's effects on endothelial dysfunction and believe low testosterone may be contributing to endothelial dysfunction after SCI. By understanding these mechanisms, the investigators hope to improve the lives of those living with SCI and reduce their risk for heart attacks and strokes. The investigators propose to study the influence of testosterone on endothelial function by using state-of-the-art clinical and laboratory experiments to assess endothelial function in men with SCI with low and normal testosterone levels.
Age range
18 Years – 89 Years
Sex
MALE
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Endothelium-dependent vasodilation
Timeframe: Measured at baseline (without acetylcholine) and immediately after each acetylcholine dose for 3-5 minutes.
Endothelium-independent vasodilation
Timeframe: Measured at baseline (without sodium nitroprusside) and immediately after each sodium nitroprusside dose for 3-5 minutes.
Tissue plasminogen activator release
Timeframe: Measured at baseline and immediately after each isoproterenol and sodium nitroprusside dose for 3-5 minutes.
Endothelial cell-derived microvesicles concentration
Timeframe: Baseline
Endothelial cell-derived microvesicles effects of human coronary artery endothelial cells nitric oxide bioavailability.
Timeframe: Baseline
Endothelial cell-derived microvesicles effects of human coronary artery endothelial cells reactive oxygen species and antioxidant capacity
Timeframe: Baseline