The vascular endothelium (inner lining of cells in blood vessels) normally prevents vasospasm
and thrombosis by producing nitric oxide and other regulatory substances. In patients with
atherosclerosis, endothelial function is impaired. Excess production of reactive oxygen
species (free radicals) contribute to endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis, and some
prior studies have shown a beneficial effect of antioxidant treatment on endothelial function
in patients with coronary artery disease. On the other hand, reactive oxygen species may be
required for normal endothelial function and antioxidant supplements failed to show a benefit
in large clinical trials. The effect of antioxidant treatment on endothelial function in
healthy subjects is unknown. The present study will test the hypothesis that scavenging
reactive species might reduce endothelium-dependent vasodilation in healthy subjects.
The study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Participants
will receive 2.4 grams of oral NAC or similar-appearing placebo during the first visit, and
then will cross over to the alternative treatment (NAC or placebo) for the second and final
visit. We will examine endothelial function before and after treatment on each visit.