Endothelial Dysfunction After SCI

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We hypothesize that vascular endothelial dysfunction is prevalent after spinal cord injury (SCI) which predispose individuals with SCI to accelerated, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and future myocardial infarctions and ischemic strokes. The central objective of this study is to determine whether adults with SCI exhibit impaired endothelial function. Specifically, if endothelium-dependent vasodilation is impaired and if endothelial cell derived microvesicles (EMVs) are elevated and dysfunctional in adults with paraplegia. We will address this objective by assessing endothelium-dependent vasodilation by pharmacologically manipulating endothelial vasodilator function in live conscious humans with SCI and determining the role of circulating EMVs as both a systemic biomarker and mediator of endothelial dysfunction.