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Schumann A, Gupta Y, Gerstorf D, Demuth I, Bär KJ. Sex differences in the age-related decrease of spontaneous baroreflex function in healthy individuals. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H158-H165. [PMID: 37947436 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00648.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The baroreflex is a powerful physiological mechanism for rapidly adjusting heart rate in response to changes in blood pressure. Spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) has been shown to decrease with age. However, studies of sex differences in these age-related changes are rare. Here we investigated several markers of spontaneous baroreflex function in a large sample of healthy individuals. Cardiovascular signals were recorded in the supine position under carefully controlled resting conditions. After quality control, n = 980 subjects were divided into five age groups [age < 30 yr (n = 612), 30-39 yr (n = 140), 40-49 yr (n = 95), 50-59 yr (n = 61), and >60 yr (n = 72)]. Spontaneous baroreflex function was assessed in the time domain (bradycardic and tachycardic slope) and in the frequency domain in the low- and high-frequency band (LF-α, HF-α) applying the transfer function. General linear models showed a significant effect of factor age (P < 0.001) and an age × sex interaction effect (P < 0.05) on each indicator of the baroreflex function. Simple main effects showed a significantly higher BRS as indicated by tachycardic slope, LF-α and HF-α in middle-aged women compared with men (30-39 yr) and higher LF-α, bradycardic and tachycardic slope in men compared with women of the oldest age group (>60 yr). Changes in BRS over the lifespan suggest that baroreflex function declines more slowly but earlier in life in men than in women. Our findings could be linked to age-related changes in major sex hormone levels, suggesting significant implications for diverse cardiovascular outcomes and the implementation of targeted preventive strategies.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we demonstrate that the age-related decrease of spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity is different in men and women by analyzing resting state cardiovascular data of a large sample of healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Schumann
- Lab for Autonomic Neuroscience, Imaging and Cognition, Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Yubraj Gupta
- Lab for Autonomic Neuroscience, Imaging and Cognition, Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Denis Gerstorf
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ilja Demuth
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karl-Jürgen Bär
- Lab for Autonomic Neuroscience, Imaging and Cognition, Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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Pruter WW, Klassen SA, Dominelli PB, Wiggins CC, Senefeld JW, Roy TK, Joyner MJ, Baker SE. Attenuated cardiac autonomic function in humans with high-affinity hemoglobin and compensatory polycythemia. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2023; 324:R625-R634. [PMID: 36878486 PMCID: PMC10085552 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00113.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
During hypoxic exposure, humans with high-affinity hemoglobin (and compensatory polycythemia) have blunted increases in heart rate compared with healthy humans with typical oxyhemoglobin dissociation curves. This response may be associated with altered autonomic control of heart rate. Our hypothesis-generating study aimed to investigate cardiac baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability among nine humans with high-affinity hemoglobin [6 females, O2 partial pressure at 50% [Formula: see text] (P50) = 16 ± 1 mmHg] compared with 12 humans with typical affinity hemoglobin (6 F, P50 = 26 ± 1 mmHg). Participants breathed normal room air for a 10-min baseline, followed by 20 min of isocapnic hypoxic exposure, designed to lower the arterial partial pressure O2 ([Formula: see text]) to ∼50 mmHg. Beat-by-beat heart rate and arterial blood pressure were recorded. Data were averaged in 5-min periods throughout the hypoxia exposure, beginning with the last 5 min of baseline in normoxia. Spontaneous cardiac baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability were determined using the sequence method and the time and frequency domain analyses, respectively. Cardiac baroreflex sensitivity was lower in humans with high-affinity hemoglobin than controls at baseline and during isocapnic hypoxic exposure (normoxia: 7 ± 4 vs. 16 ± 10 ms/mmHg, hypoxia minutes 15-20: 4 ± 3 vs. 14 ± 11 ms/mmHg; group effect: P = 0.02, high-affinity hemoglobin vs. control, respectively). Heart rate variability calculated in both the time (standard deviation of the N-N interval) and frequency (low frequency) domains was lower in humans with high-affinity hemoglobin than in controls (all P < 0.05). Our data suggest that humans with high-affinity hemoglobin may have attenuated cardiac autonomic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wyatt W Pruter
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Stephen A Klassen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
- Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paolo B Dominelli
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chad C Wiggins
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Jonathon W Senefeld
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Tuhin K Roy
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Michael J Joyner
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Sarah E Baker
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
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Effects of age and sex on vasomotor activity and baroreflex sensitivity during the sleep-wake cycle. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22424. [PMID: 36575245 PMCID: PMC9794808 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26440-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular function is related to age, sex, and state of consciousness. We hypothesized that cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) demonstrates different patterns in both sexes before and after 50 years of age and that these patterns are associated with patterned changes during the sleep-wake cycle. We recruited 67 healthy participants (aged 20-79 years; 41 women) and divided them into four age groups: 20-29, 30-49, 50-69, and 70-79 years. All the participants underwent polysomnography and blood pressure measurements. For each participant, we used the average of the arterial pressure variability, heart rate variability (HRV), and BRS parameters during the sleep-wake stages. BRS and HRV parameters were significantly negatively correlated with age. The BRS indexes were significantly lower in the participants aged ≥ 50 years than in those aged < 50 years, and these age-related declines were more apparent during non-rapid eye movement sleep than during wakefulness. Only BRS demonstrated a significantly negative correlation with age in participants ≥ 50 years old. Women exhibited a stronger association than men between BRS and age and an earlier decline in BRS. Changes in BRS varied with age, sex, and consciousness state, each demonstrating a specific pattern. The age of 50 years appeared to be a crucial turning point for sexual dimorphism in BRS. Baroreflex modulation of the cardiovascular system during sleep sensitively delineated the age- and sex-dependent BRS patterns, highlighting the clinical importance of our results. Our findings may aid in screening for neurocardiac abnormalities in apparently healthy individuals.
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Ferreira FC, Padilha MCSV, Tobadini E, Bellocchi C, Carandina A, Montano N, Soares PPS, Rodrigues GD. Women have a greater cardiac vagal withdrawal to heat stress compared to men. Temperature (Austin) 2022; 10:444-453. [PMID: 38130655 PMCID: PMC10732604 DOI: 10.1080/23328940.2022.2135354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The heated environment shifts the sympatho-vagal balance toward sympathetic predominance and vagal withdrawal. Women's heart is more reliant on vagal autonomic control, while men's heart is more dependent on sympathetic control. However, sex differences in cardiovascular autonomic responses to heat stress remain unknown. We aimed to investigate the cardiovascular autonomic regulation under heat stress between sexes. Thirty-two young participants (27 ± 4 years old; 16 women) were enrolled in a single visit, resting for 30min at baseline (thermal reference condition TC; ∼24°C) and 30min under a heated environment (HOT; ∼38°C). Blood pressure (BP), skin temperature, electrocardiogram, and respiratory oscillations were continuously recorded. The heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed by spectral analysis (low-frequency [LFnu; sympathetic and vagal] and high-frequency [HFnu; vagal]), and symbolic analysis (0 V% [sympathetic] and 2UV%, and 2LV% [vagal]). The spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was calculated by the gain between BP and R-R within the LF band (αLF). The estimated maximal aerobic capacity and body surface area were employed as covariates in sex comparisons. The effects of HOT were the following: 1) Women have a greater cardiac vagal withdrawal to heat stress compared to men; 2) Sex differences on cardiac autonomic response to heat stress exist after controlling for the effect of estimated physical fitness and body surface area. Therefore, heat stress provokes a higher vagal withdrawal to the heart in women compared to men. It could be attributed to sex per se since significant differences between men and women were not modified after covariate analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe C. Ferreira
- Laboratory of Experimental and Applied Exercise Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Michelle Cristina S. V. Padilha
- Laboratory of Experimental and Applied Exercise Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Eleonora Tobadini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122Milan, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Bellocchi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122Milan, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122Milan, Italy
| | - Angelica Carandina
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122Milan, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Montano
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122Milan, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122Milan, Italy
| | - Pedro Paulo S. Soares
- Laboratory of Experimental and Applied Exercise Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Gabriel D. Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Experimental and Applied Exercise Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122Milan, Italy
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Reutersberg B, Pelisek J, Ouda A, de Rougemont O, Rössler F, Zimmermann A. Baroreceptors in the Aortic Arch and Their Potential Role in Aortic Dissection and Aneurysms. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11051161. [PMID: 35268252 PMCID: PMC8911340 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11051161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The arterial baroreflex is a key autonomic regulator of blood pressure whose dysfunction has been related to several cardiovascular diseases. Changes in blood pressure are sensed by specific mechanosensory proteins, called baroreceptors, particularly located in the outer layer of the carotid sinus and the inner curvature of the aortic arch. The signal is propagated along the afferent nerves to the central nervous system and serves as negative feedback of the heart rate. Despite extensive research, the precise molecular nature of baroreceptors remains elusive. Current knowledge assumes that baroreceptors are ion channels at the nerve endings within the outer layer of the arteries. However, the evidence is based mainly on animal experiments, and the specific types of mechanosensitive receptors responsible for the signal transduction are still unknown. Only a few studies have investigated mechanosensory transmission in the aortic arch. In addition, although aortic dissection, and particularly type A involving the aortic arch, is one of the most life-threatening cardiovascular disorders, there is no knowledge about the impact of aortic dissection on baroreceptor function. In this review, we aim not to highlight the regulation of the heart rate but what mechanical stimuli and what possible ion channels transfer the corresponding signal within the aortic arch, summarizing and updating the current knowledge about baroreceptors, specifically in the aortic arch, and the impact of aortic pathologies on their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Reutersberg
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (J.P.); (A.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-44-255-20-39
| | - Jaroslav Pelisek
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (J.P.); (A.Z.)
| | - Ahmed Ouda
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Olivier de Rougemont
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (O.d.R.); (F.R.)
| | - Fabian Rössler
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (O.d.R.); (F.R.)
| | - Alexander Zimmermann
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (J.P.); (A.Z.)
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Veiz E, Kieslich SK, Staab J, Czesnik D, Herrmann-Lingen C, Meyer T. Men Show Reduced Cardiac Baroreceptor Sensitivity during Modestly Painful Electrical Stimulation of the Forearm: Exploratory Results from a Sham-Controlled Crossover Vagus Nerve Stimulation Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111193. [PMID: 34769711 PMCID: PMC8582936 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents data from a transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation experiment that point towards a blunted cardiac baroreceptor sensitivity (cBRS) in young males compared to females during electrical stimulation of the forearm and a rhythmic breathing task. Continuous electrocardiography, impedance cardiography and continuous blood-pressure recordings were assessed in a sex-matched cohort of twenty young healthy subjects. Electrical stimulation of the median nerve was conducted by using a threshold-tracking method combined with two rhythmic breathing tasks (0.1 and 0.2 Hz) before, during and after active or sham transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation. Autonomic and hemodynamic parameters were calculated, and differences were analyzed by using linear mixed models and post hoc F-tests. None of the autonomic and hemodynamic parameters differed between the sham and active conditions. However, compared to females, male participants had an overall lower total cBRS independent of stimulation condition during nerve stimulation (females: 14.96 ± 5.67 ms/mmHg, males: 11.89 ± 3.24 ms/mmHg, p = 0.031) and rhythmic breathing at 0.2 Hz (females: 21.49 ± 8.47 ms/mmHg, males: 15.12 ± 5.70 ms/mmHg, p = 0.004). Whereas vagus nerve stimulation at the left inner tragus did not affect the efferent vagal control of the heart, we found similar patterns of baroreceptor sensitivity activation over the stimulation period in both sexes, which, however, significantly differed in their magnitude, with females showing an overall higher cBRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Veiz
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (S.-K.K.); (J.S.); (C.H.-L.)
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
- Correspondence: (E.V.); (T.M.)
| | - Susann-Kristin Kieslich
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (S.-K.K.); (J.S.); (C.H.-L.)
| | - Julia Staab
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (S.-K.K.); (J.S.); (C.H.-L.)
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dirk Czesnik
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Christoph Herrmann-Lingen
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (S.-K.K.); (J.S.); (C.H.-L.)
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Meyer
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (S.-K.K.); (J.S.); (C.H.-L.)
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Correspondence: (E.V.); (T.M.)
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7
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Sex differences in blood pressure regulation during the isometric exercise under heated environment. Blood Press Monit 2021; 27:55-62. [PMID: 34569989 DOI: 10.1097/mbp.0000000000000566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In the absence of heat stress, females increase blood pressure (BP) during isometric handgrip exercise due to cardiac output more than total peripheral resistance (TPR) compared to men. Although heat stress seems to blunt BP responses at rest and during handgrip, possible sex differences remained unknown. We hypothesized that BP responses during handgrip under a heated environment (HOT) will be different between men and women. Eight healthy men (29 ± 6 years) and eight women (26 ± 4 years) participated in this study. The experimental protocol was separated into two environmental conditions: HOT (~ 36 °C) and thermoneutral (TC; ~ 24 °C). In both conditions, participants rested for 30 min and performed the handgrip for 3 min. BP, heart rate (HR) stroke volume and cardiac output were continuously recorded, and TPR was calculated (TPR = mean blood pressure (MBP)/cardiac output). HOT reduced BP and TPR at baseline and during handgrip in females as compared to TC, while males showed similar responses in both thermal conditions. HR was higher under HOT in both groups. Cardiac output and stroke volume were not different under HOT compared to TC for females. In males, cardiac output increased at the last minute of handgrip under HOT through augmented HR, because stroke volume was unchanged. In conclusion, the main effect of HOT was to shift downwards BP and total peripheral resistance at rest and during isometric exercise in females. In males, the combination of handgrip and HOT increased cardiac output by augmented HR, whereas BP presented similar responses between thermal conditions during handgrip.
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8
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Klassen SA, Shoemaker JK. Action potential subpopulations within human muscle sympathetic nerve activity: Discharge properties and governing mechanisms. Auton Neurosci 2020; 230:102743. [PMID: 33202287 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2020.102743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Sympathetic emissions directed towards the skeletal muscle circulation - muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) - represent a key mechanism for maintaining homeostasis and supporting human survival during physiological stress. Pulse-rhythmic bursts formed by the synchronous discharge of differently-sized sympathetic action potentials (APs) represent the primary characteristic of MSNA. Of the APs firing under baseline conditions (reflecting low-threshold c-fibre activity), a range of subpopulations exists, of which three general categories can be discussed based on their peak-to-peak amplitude in the filtered raw neurogram - small, medium, and large. These subpopulations express nonuniform discharge, recruitment, and synchronization patterns. The subpopulation of medium APs fires synchronously in most bursts, while the subpopulations of small and large APs fire less often. However, 30% of total AP discharge occurs asynchronously between sympathetic bursts, a pattern expressed most often by small APs. In response to physiological stress (e.g., baroreflex unloading), the subpopulation of medium APs exhibits the largest increase in firing probability and a subpopulation of previously-silent larger and faster-conducting APs (reflecting high-threshold c-fibre activity) becomes recruited. Heterogeneous discharge, synchronization, and recruitment thresholds among AP subpopulations stem from differential regulation within the sympathetic organization including the arterial baroreflex and paravertebral ganglia. Indeed, the arterial baroreflex strongly regulates medium APs at baseline and enhances its control over this subpopulation during periods of baroreflex unloading. Conversely, small and large APs express weak baroreflex control. Trimethaphan infusion has revealed that ganglionic processes including nicotinic and non-nicotinic mechanisms may contribute to heterogenous firing behaviours among low-threshold AP subpopulations. This review highlights recent work revealing new insight to the discharge properties expressed by, and mechanisms governing, AP subpopulations within human MSNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Klassen
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - J Kevin Shoemaker
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
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Lord RN, Wakeham DJ, Pugh CJA, Simpson LL, Talbot JS, Lodge FM, Curry BA, Dawkins TG, Shave RE, Moore JP. The influence of barosensory vessel mechanics on the vascular sympathetic baroreflex: insights into aging and blood pressure homeostasis. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 319:H370-H376. [PMID: 32648822 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00265.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Changes in the arterial baroreflex arc contribute to elevated sympathetic outflow and altered reflex control of blood pressure with human aging. Using ultrasound and sympathetic microneurography (muscle sympathetic nerve activity, MSNA) we investigated the relationships between aortic and carotid artery wall tension (indices of baroreceptor activation) and the vascular sympathetic baroreflex operating point (OP; MSNA burst incidence) in healthy, normotensive young (n = 27, 23 ± 3 yr) and middle-aged men (n = 22, 55 ± 4 yr). In young men, the OP was positively related to the magnitude and rate of unloading and time spent unloaded in the aortic artery (r = 0.56, 0.65, and 0.51, P = 0.02, 0.003, and 0.03), but not related to the magnitude or rate of unloading or time spent unloaded in the carotid artery (r = -0.32, -0.07, and 0.06, P = 0.25, 0.81, and 0.85). In contrast, in middle-aged men, the OP was not related to either the magnitude or rate of unloading or time spent unloaded in the aortic (r = 0.22, 0.21, and 0.27, P = 0.41, 0.43, and 0.31) or carotid artery (r = 0.06, 0.28, and -0.01; P = 0.48, 0.25, and 0.98). In conclusion, in young men, aortic unloading mechanics may play a role in determining the vascular sympathetic baroreflex OP. In contrast, in middle-aged men, barosensory vessel unloading mechanics do not appear to determine the vascular sympathetic baroreflex OP and, therefore, do not contribute to age-related arterial baroreflex resetting and increased resting MSNA.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We assessed the influence of barosensory vessel mechanics (magnitude and rate of unloading and time spent unloaded) as a surrogate for baroreceptor unloading. In young men, aortic unloading mechanics are important in regulating the operating point of the vascular sympathetic baroreflex, whereas in middle-aged men, these arterial mechanics do not influence this operating point. The age-related increase in resting muscle sympathetic nerve activity does not appear to be driven by altered baroreceptor input from stiffer barosensory vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel N Lord
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Denis J Wakeham
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J A Pugh
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Lydia L Simpson
- Physical Activity for Health and Well-Being Centre, School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
| | - Jack S Talbot
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Freya M Lodge
- Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Bryony A Curry
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Tony G Dawkins
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Rob E Shave
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.,Centre for Heart, Lung, and Vascular Health, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Jonathan P Moore
- Physical Activity for Health and Well-Being Centre, School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
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10
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Fu Q, Ogoh S. Sex differences in baroreflex function in health and disease. J Physiol Sci 2019; 69:851-859. [PMID: 31721084 PMCID: PMC10717578 DOI: 10.1007/s12576-019-00727-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
This brief review summarizes the current knowledge on sex differences in baroreflex function, with a major focus on studies in humans. It has been demonstrated that healthy women have blunted cardiovagal baroreflx sensitivity during a rapid (i.e., within seconds) hypertensive stimulus, but baroreflex sensitivity is similar between the sexes during a hypotensive stimulus. Normal aging decreases cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity and the rate of decline is similar in men and women. Cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity is reduced in pathological conditions such as hypertension and type II diabetes, and the reduction is greater in female patients than male patients. There is no clear sex difference in sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity among young individuals, however, with women of more advanced age, sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity decreases, which appears to be associated with greater arterial stiffness compared with similarly aged men. The blunted sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity in older women may predispose them to an increased prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Fu
- Women's Heart Health Laboratory, Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, 7232 Greenville Avenue, Suite 435, Dallas, TX, 75231, USA.
- The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Shigehiko Ogoh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Toyo University, Tokyo, Japan
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11
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Oliveira R, Barker AR, Debras F, O'Doherty A, Williams CA. Mechanisms of blood pressure control following acute exercise in adolescents: Effects of exercise intensity on haemodynamics and baroreflex sensitivity. Exp Physiol 2018; 103:1056-1066. [DOI: 10.1113/ep086999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Oliveira
- Children's Health and Exercise Research Centre; Sport and Health Sciences; College of Life and Environmental Sciences; University of Exeter; Exeter EX1 2LU UK
| | - Alan R. Barker
- Children's Health and Exercise Research Centre; Sport and Health Sciences; College of Life and Environmental Sciences; University of Exeter; Exeter EX1 2LU UK
| | - Florian Debras
- School of Physics and Astronomy; University of Exeter; Exeter EX4 4QL UK
- Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon; Lyon Cedex 07 69364 France
| | - Alexandra O'Doherty
- Children's Health and Exercise Research Centre; Sport and Health Sciences; College of Life and Environmental Sciences; University of Exeter; Exeter EX1 2LU UK
| | - Craig A. Williams
- Children's Health and Exercise Research Centre; Sport and Health Sciences; College of Life and Environmental Sciences; University of Exeter; Exeter EX1 2LU UK
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12
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Campón-Checkroun AM, Luceño-Mardones A, Riquelme I, Oliva-Pascual-Vaca J, Ricard F, Oliva-Pascual-Vaca Á. Effects of the Right Carotid Sinus Compression Technique on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in Medicated Patients with Hypertension. J Altern Complement Med 2018; 24:1108-1112. [PMID: 29733225 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2017.0350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify the immediate and middle-term effects of the right carotid sinus compression technique on blood pressure and heart rate in hypertensive patients. DESIGN Randomized blinded experimental study. SETTINGS Primary health centers of Cáceres (Spain). SUBJECTS Sixty-four medicated patients with hypertension were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 33) or to a control group (n = 31). INTERVENTION In the intervention group a compression of the right carotid sinus was applied for 20 sec. In the control group, a placebo technique of placing hands on the radial styloid processes was performed. OUTCOME MEASURES Blood pressure and heart rate were measured in both groups before the intervention (preintervention), immediately after the intervention, 5 min after the intervention, and 60 min after the intervention. RESULTS The intervention group significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate immediately after the intervention, with a large clinical effect; systolic blood pressure remained reduced 5 min after the intervention, and heart rate remained reduced 60 min after the intervention. No significant changes were observed in the control group. CONCLUSIONS Right carotid sinus compression could be clinically useful for regulating acute hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica María Campón-Checkroun
- 1 Escuela de Osteopatía de Madrid , Madrid, Spain .,2 Department of Physical Therapy, Universidad Católica de Ávila , Ávila, Spain
| | | | - Inmaculada Riquelme
- 3 Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of the Balearic Islands , Palma, Spain .,4 University Institute of Health Sciences Research (IUNICS-IdISPa), University of the Balearic Islands , Palma, Spain
| | - Jesús Oliva-Pascual-Vaca
- 1 Escuela de Osteopatía de Madrid , Madrid, Spain .,5 Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Universidad de Sevilla , Sevilla, Spain .,6 EU Francisco Maldonado, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidad de Sevilla , Osuna, Spain
| | | | - Ángel Oliva-Pascual-Vaca
- 1 Escuela de Osteopatía de Madrid , Madrid, Spain .,5 Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Universidad de Sevilla , Sevilla, Spain
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13
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Kuo AH, Li J, Li C, Huber HF, Nathanielsz PW, Clarke GD. Poor perinatal growth impairs baboon aortic windkessel function. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2018; 9:137-142. [PMID: 29017630 PMCID: PMC5922776 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174417000770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The ability of the aorta to buffer blood flow and provide diastolic perfusion (Windkessel function) is a determinant of cardiovascular health. We have reported cardiac dysfunction indicating downstream vascular abnormalities in young adult baboons who were intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) at birth as a result of moderate maternal nutrient reduction. Using 3 T MRI, we examined IUGR offspring (eight male, eight female; 5.7 years; human equivalent 25 years) and age-matched controls (eight male, eight female; 5.6 years) to quantify distal descending aortic cross-section (AC) and distensibility (AD). ANOVA showed decreased IUGR AC/body surface area (0.9±0.05 cm2/m2 v. 1.2±0.06 cm2/m2, M±s.e.m., P<0.005) and AD (1.7±0.2 v. 4.0±0.5×10-3/mmHg, P<0.005) without sex difference or group-sex interaction, suggesting intrinsic vascular pathology and impaired development persisting in adulthood. Future studies should evaluate potential consequences of these changes on coronary perfusion, afterload and blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H Kuo
- 1Department of Radiology and Research Imaging Institute,University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio,San Antonio,TX,USA
| | - J Li
- 2Xiangya School of Medicine,Central South University,Changsha,Hunan,China
| | - C Li
- 3Department of Animal Science,University of Wyoming,Laramie,Wyoming
| | - H F Huber
- 3Department of Animal Science,University of Wyoming,Laramie,Wyoming
| | - P W Nathanielsz
- 3Department of Animal Science,University of Wyoming,Laramie,Wyoming
| | - G D Clarke
- 1Department of Radiology and Research Imaging Institute,University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio,San Antonio,TX,USA
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14
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Validity and reliability of carotid-toe pulse wave velocity as a measure of arterial stiffness in healthy individuals: Comparison to carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity. Artery Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.artres.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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