Impact of proximal and distal cuff inflation on brachial artery endothelial function in healthy individuals

Purpose In this study, we examined whether the decrease in endothelial function associated with short-term exposure to elevated retrograde shear rate (SR), could be prevented when combined with a concurrent drop in transmural pressure in humans. Methods Twenty-five healthy individuals reported to our laboratory on three occasions to complete 30-min experimental conditions, preceded and followed by assessment of endothelial function using flow-mediated dilation (FMD). We used cuff inflation for 30-min to manipulate retrograde SR and transmural pressure in the brachial artery. Subjects underwent, in randomised order: (1) forearm cuff inflation to 60 mmHg (distal cuff; causing increase in retrograde SR), (2) upper arm cuff inflation to 60 mmHg (proximal cuff; causing increase in retrograde SR + decrease in transmural pressure), and (3) no cuff inflation (Control). Results The distal and proximal cuff conditions both increased brachial artery retrograde SR ( p