Reflex Responses to Intermittent Hypoxia in Humans: Mechanisms and Consequences

30 minutes of intermittent hypoxia achieved using breaths of low oxygen air (5% oxygen) followed by room air through a mask.

An intravenous bolus of sodium nitroprusside (100 μg) will be given to decrease blood pressure, followed 1 minute later by a bolus of phenylephrine (150 μg) to increase blood pressure, occurring before and after intermittent hypoxia exposure.

Prior to completion of visit 2, male subjects will consume 62.5 mg twice daily for 3 days as well as the morning of the study visit (7 pills) at home and experimental sessions will be performed 3 hours after oral intake of the final dose.

Hypoxia will be achieved using breaths of low oxygen air (5% oxygen) followed by room air through a mask. This will be repeated 4-5 times per test, occurring before and after intermittent hypoxia exposure.