The impact of acute mental stress on brachial artery flow-mediated dilation in women diagnosed with depression.

Endothelial function, assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD), may be transiently attenuated in healthy adults following acute mental stress. However, the impact of acute mental stress on endothelial function in the context of clinical depression is unknown. This study examined the impact of acute mental stress on FMD in women with a diagnosis of a depressive disorder.

The influence of vitamin C on the interaction between acute mental stress and endothelial function.

Purpose: To determine whether orally administered vitamin C attenuates expected mental stress-induced reductions in brachial artery endothelial function as measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD).

Methods: Fifteen men (21 ± 2 years) were given 1000 mg of vitamin C or placebo over two visits in a randomized, double-blinded, within-subject design. Acute mental stress was induced using the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST).