Systemic low-dose aspirin and clopidogrel independently attenuate reflex cutaneous vasodilation in middle-aged humans

Therapeutic Options for Migraines in the Microsurgical Patient: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

There exists an increasing array of treatments proposed to prevent, alleviate, and abort symptoms of a migraine; however, for patients who undergo reconstructive microsurgery, caution must be taken to preserve vascular integrity. This study is the first-to-date scoping review of vascular and bleeding risk of current migraine therapies, with the purpose of identifying potential therapeutic agents for postoperative migraine management appropriate for microsurgical patients.

METHODS

Currently available migraine therapeutics were compiled from the UpToDate software system and the American Academy of Family Physicians. A PubMed literature review was performed for each therapeutic's effect on bleeding or vascular involvement. Data were compiled into tables of abortive, symptom-controlling and prophylactic, and nonpharmacologic treatments. Expert microsurgeons reviewed the data to provide recommendations for optimized patient care.

RESULTS

Triptans and other ergot derivatives demonstrated strong evidence of vasoconstriction and were greatly advised against for immediate postmicrosurgical use. Novel pharmaceutical therapies such as lasmiditan and calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists have no literature indicating potential for vasoconstriction or hematoma and remain an investigational option for abortive medical treatment. For symptom control, acetaminophen appears the safest option, with clinical judgment and further research needed for use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Alternative treatment techniques may include migraine prophylaxis with botulinum toxin injection or nutraceutical treatment by means of magnesium supplementation or coenzyme Q10 administration, minimizing the need for additional medication in the postoperative setting.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing reconstructive microsurgery have a unique medical profile limiting the therapeutic options available to treat migraines. This review provides preliminary evidence to be considered as a guide for prescribing therapeutics for migraine in the postoperative setting.

Experimental research in environmentally induced hyperthermic older persons: A systematic quantitative literature review mapping the available evidence

The heat-related health burden is expected to persist and worsen in the coming years due to an aging global population and climate change. Defining the breadth and depth of our understanding of age-related changes in thermoregulation can identify underlying causes and strategies to protect vulnerable individuals from heat. We conducted the first systematic quantitative literature review to provide context to the historical experimental research of healthy older adults - compared to younger adults or unhealthy age matched cases - during exogenous heat strain, focusing on factors that influence thermoregulatory function (e.g. co-morbidities). We identified 4,455 articles, with 147 meeting eligibility criteria. Most studies were conducted in the US (39%), Canada (29%), or Japan (12%), with 71% of the 3,411 participants being male. About 71% of the studies compared younger and older adults, while 34% compared two groups of older adults with and without factors influencing thermoregulation. Key factors included age combined with another factor (23%), underlying biological mechanisms (18%), age independently (15%), influencing health conditions (15%), adaptation potential (12%), environmental conditions (9%), and therapeutic/pharmacological interventions (7%). Our results suggest that controlled experimental research should focus on the age-related changes in thermoregulation in the very old, females, those with overlooked chronic heat-sensitive health conditions (e.g. pulmonary, renal, mental disorders), the impact of multimorbidity, prolonged and cumulative effects of extreme heat, evidence-based policy of control measures (e.g. personal cooling strategies), pharmaceutical interactions, and interventions stimulating protective physiological adaptation. These controlled studies will inform the directions and use of limited resources in ecologically valid fieldwork studies.

Effects of Medications on Heat Loss Capacity in Chronic Disease Patients: Health Implications Amidst Global Warming

Pharmacological agents used to treat or manage diseases can modify the level of heat strain experienced by chronically ill and elderly patients via different mechanistic pathways. Human thermoregulation is a crucial homeostatic process that maintains body temperature within a narrow range during heat stress through dry (i.e., increasing skin blood flow) and evaporative (i.e., sweating) heat loss, as well as active inhibition of thermogenesis, which is crucial to avoid overheating. Medications can independently and synergistically interact with aging and chronic disease to alter homeostatic responses to rising body temperature during heat stress. This review focuses on the physiologic changes, with specific emphasis on thermolytic processes, associated with medication use during heat stress. The review begins by providing readers with a background of the global chronic disease burden. Human thermoregulation and aging effects are then summarized to give an understanding of the unique physiologic changes faced by older adults. The effects of common chronic diseases on temperature regulation are outlined in the main sections. Physiologic impacts of common medications used to treat these diseases are reviewed in detail, with emphasis on the mechanisms by which these medications alter thermolysis during heat stress. The review concludes by providing perspectives on the need to understand the effects of medication use in hot environments, as well as a summary table of all clinical considerations and research needs of the medications included in this review. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Long-term medications modulate thermoregulatory function, resulting in excess physiological strain and predisposing patients to adverse health outcomes during prolonged exposures to extreme heat during rest and physical work (e.g., exercise). Understanding the medication-specific mechanisms of altered thermoregulation has importance in both clinical and research settings, paving the way for work toward refining current medication prescription recommendations and formulating mitigation strategies for adverse drug effects in the heat in chronically ill patients.

Purinergic signaling in systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease that involves numerous organs and presents major management challenges. The histopathologic hallmarks of SSc include vasculopathy, fibrosis and autoimmune phenomena involving both innate and adaptive immune systems. Purinergic signalling is a pathway that may be implicated in the pathophysiology of several of these disease manifestations. Extracellular purines are potent signalling mediators, which have been shown to be dysregulated in SSc. As examples, purines can exacerbate vasculopathy and provoke platelet dysfunction; as well as contributing to immune dysregulation. Elements of purinergic signalling further promote organ and tissue fibrosis in several disease models. Here, we provide an overview of extracellular purine metabolism in purinergic signalling and link disorders of these to the molecular pathology of SSc. We also discuss targeting the purinergic signalling and explore the translational applications for new therapeutic options in SSc.

Extreme Heat and Cardiovascular Health: What a Cardiovascular Health Professional Should Know

As global temperatures continue to rise, extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and intense. Extreme heat affects cardiovascular health as it is associated with a greater risk of adverse cardiovascular events, especially for adults with preexisting cardiovascular diseases. Nonetheless, the pathophysiology underlying the association between extreme heat and cardiovascular risk remains understudied. Furthermore, specific recommendations to mitigate the effects of extreme heat on cardiovascular health remain limited to guide clinical practice within the context of a warming climate. The overall objective of this review article is to raise awareness that extreme heat poses a risk for cardiovascular health. Specifically, the review discusses why cardiovascular healthcare professionals should care about extreme heat, how extreme heat affects cardiovascular health, and recommendations to minimise the cardiovascular consequences of extreme heat. Future research directions are also provided to further our understating of the cardiovascular health consequences of extreme heat. A better awareness and understanding of the cardiovascular consequences of extreme heat will help cardiovascular health professionals assess the risk and optimise the care of their patients exposed to an increasingly warm climate.

Historical reviews of the assessment of human cardiovascular function: interrogation and understanding of the control of skin blood flow

Several techniques exist for the determination of skin blood flow that have historically been used in the investigation of thermoregulatory control of skin blood flow, and more recently, in clinical assessments or as an index of global vascular function. Skin blood flow measurement techniques differ in their methodology and their strengths and limitations. To examine the historical development of techniques for assessing skin blood flow by describing the origin, basic principles, and important aspects of each procedure and to provide recommendations for best practise. Venous occlusion plethysmography was one of the earliest techniques to intermittently index a limb’s skin blood flow under conditions in which local muscle blood flow does not change. The introduction of laser Doppler flowmetry provided a method that continuously records an index of skin blood flow (red cell flux) (albeit from a relatively small skin area) that requires normalisation due to high site-to-site variability. The subsequent development of laser Doppler and laser speckle imaging techniques allows the mapping of skin blood flow from larger surface areas and the visualisation of capillary filling from the dermal plexus in two dimensions. The use of iontophoresis or intradermal microdialysis in conjunction with laser Doppler methods allows for the local delivery of pharmacological agents to interrogate the local and neural control of skin blood flow. The recent development of optical coherence tomography promises further advances in assessment of the skin circulation via three-dimensional imaging of the skin microvasculature for quantification of vessel diameter and vessel recruitment.

Edward F. Adolph Distinguished Lecture: Skin-deep insights into vascular aging

The skin is an accessible model circulation for studying vascular function and dysfunction across the lifespan. Age-related changes, as well as those associated with disease progression, often appear first in the cutaneous circulation. Furthermore, impaired vascular signaling and attendant endothelial dysfunction, the earliest indicators of cardiovascular pathogenesis, occur in a similar fashion across multiple tissue beds throughout the body, including the skin. Because microvascular dysfunction is a better predictor of long-term outcomes and adverse cardiovascular events than is large vessel disease, an understanding of age-associated changes in the control of the human cutaneous microcirculation is important. This review focuses on 1) the merits of using skin-specific methods and techniques to study vascular function, 2) microvascular changes in aged skin (in particular, the role of the endothelial-derived dilator nitric oxide), and 3) the impact of aging on heat-induced changes in skin vasodilation. While skin blood flow is controlled by multiple, often redundant, mechanisms, our laboratory has used a variety of distinct thermal provocations of this model circulation to isolate specific age-associated changes in vascular function. Skin-specific approaches and techniques, such as intradermal microdialysis coupled with laser-Doppler flowmetry (in vivo) and biochemical analyses of skin biopsy samples (in vitro), have allowed for the targeted pharmacodissection of the mechanistic pathways controlling skin vasoreactivity and study of the impact of aging and disease states. Aged skin has an attenuated ability to vasodilate in response to warm stimuli and to vasoconstrict in response to cold stimuli.

Muscle mechanoreflex activation via passive calf stretch causes renal vasoconstriction in healthy humans

Reflex renal vasoconstriction occurs during exercise, and renal vasoconstriction in response to upper-limb muscle mechanoreflex activation has been documented. However, the renal vasoconstrictor response to muscle mechanoreflex activation originating from lower limbs, with and without local metabolite accumulation, has not been assessed. Eleven healthy young subjects (26 ± 1 yr; 5 men) underwent two trials involving 3-min passive calf muscle stretch (mechanoreflex) during 7.5-min lower-limb circulatory occlusion (CO). In one trial, 1.5-min 70% maximal voluntary contraction isometric calf exercise preceded CO to accumulate metabolites during CO and stretch (mechanoreflex and metaboreflex; 70% trial). A control trial involved no exercise before CO (mechanoreflex alone; 0% trial). Beat-to-beat renal blood flow velocity (RBFV; Doppler ultrasound), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP; photoplethysmographic finger cuff), and heart rate (electrocardiogram) were recorded. Renal vascular resistance (RVR), an index of renal vasoconstriction, was calculated as MAP/RBFV. All baseline cardiovascular variables were similar between trials. Stretch increased RVR and decreased RBFV in both trials (change from CO with stretch: RVR - 0% trial = Δ 10 ± 2%, 70% trial = Δ 7 ± 3%; RBFV - 0% trial = Δ -3.8 ± 1.1 cm/s, 70% trial = Δ -2.7 ± 1.5 cm/s; P < 0.05 for RVR and RBFV). These stretch-induced changes were of similar magnitudes in both trials, e.g., with and without local metabolite accumulation, as well as when thromboxane production was inhibited. These findings suggest that muscle mechanoreflex activation via passive calf stretch causes renal vasoconstriction, with and without muscle metaboreflex activation, in healthy humans.

Current concepts of active vasodilation in human skin

In humans, an increase in internal core temperature elicits large increases in skin blood flow and sweating. The increase in skin blood flow serves to transfer heat via convection from the body core to the skin surface while sweating results in evaporative cooling of the skin. Cutaneous vasodilation and sudomotor activity are controlled by a sympathetic cholinergic active vasodilator system that is hypothesized to operate through a co-transmission mechanism. To date, mechanisms of cutaneous active vasodilation remain equivocal despite many years of research by several productive laboratory groups. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent advancements in the field of cutaneous active vasodilation framed in the context of some of the historical findings that laid the groundwork for our current understanding of cutaneous active vasodilation.

Clopidogrel treatment may associate with worsening of endothelial function and development of new digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis: results from an open label, proof of concept study

Background

Activated platelets release serotonin that binds 5-HT_2B receptor on fibroblasts leading to fibroblast activation. Clopidogrel, an inhibitor of ADP-dependent platelet activation prevents fibrosis in animal models of systemic sclerosis (SSc). We aimed at assessing whether i) ADP-dependent platelet activation is increased in patients with SSc compared to healthy subjects and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ii) whether clopidogrel can effectively suppress ADP-dependent activation, reduce circulating serotonin levels and hence, favorably affect fibrosis or vasculopathy in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Methods

Thirteen patients with SSc were recruited. Platelet activation was assessed by aggregometry prior to and following 14 days of clopidogrel treatment. At the same time points serotonin and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (s-VCAM1), a marker of endothelial dysfunction, were measured.

Results

ADP-dependent platelet activation was similar between patients with SSc (n = 13), patients with RA (n = 28) and healthy subjects (n = 22) (mean ± SEM AU*min: 392.1 ± 58.4, 535.5 ± 61.33 and 570.9 ± 42.9 in patients with SSc, patients with RA and healthy subjects respectively, p = 0.14). Clopidogrel treatment significantly reduced platelet activation in patients with SSc (mean ± SEM AU*min: 392.1 ± 58.4 vs 163.8 ± 51.7, p = 0.014). Clopidogrel treatment did not affect serotonin levels but led to a significant increase in s-VCAM1 (p = 0.03). Three patients developed new digital ulcers during the study. The potential association of the study drug with the development of new digital ulcers led to early termination of the study.

Conclusion

Clopidogrel may worsen markers of endothelial function and associate with development of new digital ulcers in patients with SSc.

Clinical trial registration

ISRCTN63206606. Registered 02/Dec/2014.

Healthy older humans exhibit augmented carotid-cardiac baroreflex sensitivity with aspirin during muscle mechanoreflex and metaboreflex activation

Low-dose aspirin inhibits thromboxane production and augments the sensitivity of carotid baroreflex (CBR) control of heart rate (HR) during concurrent muscle mechanoreflex and metaboreflex activation in healthy young humans. However, it is unknown how aging affects this response. Therefore, the effect of low-dose aspirin on carotid-cardiac baroreflex sensitivity during muscle mechanoreflex with and without metaboreflex activation in healthy older humans was examined. Twelve older subjects (6 men and 6 women, mean age: 62 ± 1 yr) performed two trials during two visits preceded by 7 days of low-dose aspirin (81 mg) or placebo. One trial involved 3 min of passive calf stretch (mechanoreflex) during 7.5 min of limb circulatory occlusion (CO). In another trial, CO was preceded by 1.5 min of 70% maximal voluntary contraction isometric calf exercise (mechanoreflex and metaboreflex). HR (ECG) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP; Finometer) were recorded. CBR function was assessed using rapid neck pressure application (+40 to -80 mmHg). Aspirin significantly decreased baseline thromboxane B2 production by 83 ± 4% (P < 0.05) but did not affect 6-keto-PGF1α. After aspirin, CBR-HR maximal gain and operating point gain were significantly higher during stretch with metabolite accumulation compared with placebo (maximal gain: -0.23 ± 0.03 vs. -0.14 ± 0.02 and operating point gain: -0.11 ± 0.03 vs. -0.04 ± 0.01 beats·min(-1)·mmHg(-1) for aspirin and placebo, respectively, P < 0.05). In conclusion, these findings suggest that low-dose aspirin augments CBR-HR sensitivity during concurrent muscle mechanoreflex and metaboreflex activation in healthy older humans. This increased sensitivity appears linked to reduced thromboxane sensitization of muscle mechanoreceptors, which consequently improves CBR-HR control.

Effects of Low-Dose Aspirin Therapy on Thermoregulation in Firefighters

BACKGROUND

Heart attack is the most common cause of line-of-duty death in the fire service. Daily aspirin therapy is a preventative measure used to reduce the morbidity of heart attacks but may decrease the ability to dissipate heat by reducing skin blood flow.

METHODS

In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, firefighters were randomized to receive 14 days of therapy (81-mg aspirin or placebo) before performing treadmill exercise in thermal-protective clothing in a hot room [38.8 ± 2.1°C, 24.9 ± 9.1% relative humidity (RH)]. Three weeks without therapy was provided before crossing to the other arm. Firefighters completed a baseline skin blood-flow assessment via laser Doppler flowmetry; skin was heated to 44°C to achieve maximal cutaneous vasodilation. Skin blood flow was measured before and after exercise in a hot room, and at 0 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, and 30 minutes of recovery under temperature conditions (25.3 ± 1.2°C, 40.3 ± 13.7% RH). Platelet clotting time was assessed before drug administration, and before and after exercise.

RESULTS

Fifteen firefighters completed the study. Aspirin increased clotting time before and after exercise compared with placebo (p = 0.003). There were no differences in absolute skin blood flow between groups (p = 0.35). Following exercise, cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was 85 ± 42% of maximum in the aspirin and 76 ± 37% in the placebo groups. The percentage of maximal CVC did not differ by treatment before or after recovery. Neither maximal core body temperature nor heart rate responses to exercise differed between trials.

CONCLUSION

There were no differences in skin blood flow during uncompensable heat stress following exercise after aspirin or placebo therapy.

Acetylsalicylic acid does not alter thermo-effector responses during mild whole-body passive heat stress in young men

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), aspirin, exerts potent systemic effects that may interfere with normal thermo-effector responses. We investigated the influence of commonly ingested ASA doses on measures of skin blood flow (SkBF) and local sweat rate (SR) during whole-body, passive heat stress. Seven male participants completed counter-balanced trials to compare ASA treatments (single dose 325 mg or 4 consecutive days 81 mg (4-d 81 mg)) to control (no ASA). Laser-Doppler flowmetry provided an index of SkBF. A ventilated capsule measured local sweat rate via capacitance hygrometry. Mean body temperature ([Formula: see text]) was increased by 1 °C above baseline using a water-perfused suit. [Formula: see text] was similar at the onset of cutaneous vasodilation among trials. Cutaneous vascular conductance, expressed as a percentage change from baseline, was not different among trials. Additionally, [Formula: see text] at the onset of local SR and SR sensitivity did not differ among trials. While ASA has previously been shown to influence SkBF during heat stress, it is possible our cohort's relatively young age may have contributed to our dissimilar results.

Cutaneous vasodilator and vasoconstrictor mechanisms in temperature regulation

In this review, we focus on significant developments in our understanding of the mechanisms that control the cutaneous vasculature in humans, with emphasis on the literature of the last half-century. To provide a background for subsequent sections, we review methods of measurement and techniques of importance in elucidating control mechanisms for studying skin blood flow. In addition, the anatomy of the skin relevant to its thermoregulatory function is outlined. The mechanisms by which sympathetic nerves mediate cutaneous active vasodilation during whole body heating and cutaneous vasoconstriction during whole body cooling are reviewed, including discussions of mechanisms involving cotransmission, NO, and other effectors. Current concepts for the mechanisms that effect local cutaneous vascular responses to local skin warming and cooling are examined, including the roles of temperature sensitive afferent neurons as well as NO and other mediators. Factors that can modulate control mechanisms of the cutaneous vasculature, such as gender, aging, and clinical conditions, are discussed, as are nonthermoregulatory reflex modifiers of thermoregulatory cutaneous vascular responses.

Heat waves, aging, and human cardiovascular health

This brief review is based on a President's Lecture presented at the Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in 2013. The purpose of this review was to assess the effects of climate change and consequent increases in environmental heat stress on the aging cardiovascular system. The earth's average global temperature is slowly but consistently increasing, and along with mean temperature changes come increases in heat wave frequency and severity. Extreme passive thermal stress resulting from prolonged elevations in ambient temperature and prolonged physical activity in hot environments creates a high demand on the left ventricle to pump blood to the skin to dissipate heat. Even healthy aging is accompanied by altered cardiovascular function, which limits the extent to which older individuals can maintain stroke volume, increase cardiac output, and increase skin blood flow when exposed to environmental extremes. In the elderly, the increased cardiovascular demand during heat waves is often fatal because of increased strain on an already compromised left ventricle. Not surprisingly, excess deaths during heat waves 1) occur predominantly in older individuals and 2) are overwhelmingly cardiovascular in origin. Increasing frequency and severity of heat waves coupled with a rapidly growing at-risk population dramatically increase the extent of future untoward health outcomes.

No effect of clopidogrel activity or cessation on vascular function or markers of inflammation

The platelet adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-receptor blocker clopidogrel is effective in reducing the rate of thrombosis in cardiovascular disease, but may also have nonplatelet activity. However, there is variability in the suppression of platelet function in individuals, leading to the concept of clopidogrel resistance, that is, reduced platelet-suppressing activity. We tested the hypothesis that some of the beneficial effect of clopidogrel may be due to the variable activity of this drug on the vascular system (assessed by plasma markers von Willebrand factor and soluble E-selectin, and functional arterial pulse wave velocity) and inflammation (C-reactive protein and interleukin-6) while 32 patients with coronary artery disease taking 75 mg clopidogrel daily, and again 2 weeks after cessation of clopidogrel therapy. Platelet responsiveness to clopidogrel was assessed by the phosphorylation of intracellular regulatory protein-vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein method and aggregometry to ADP. Response to aspirin was assessed using arachidonic acid (AA), and soluble P-selectin and PAC-1 were also measured. While on clopidogrel, there were no relationships between any vascular or inflammatory index and the response to clopidogrel. After stopping clopidogrel, there were no differences in platelet aggregation to AA, or the expression of P-selectin or PAC-1 at rest, or after stimulation by AA, but platelet responses to ADP all increased (p < 0.01). Although soluble P-selectin increased when clopidogrel was stopped (p = 0.006), there were no changes in plasma markers or vascular function. We conclude that 75 mg/day clopidogrel has no effect of markers of vascular function or inflammation.

Aspirin and clopidogrel alter core temperature and skin blood flow during heat stress

Antithrombotic therapy with oral aspirin (ASA) or clopidogrel (CLO) (Plavix; Bristol-Myers Squibb, Bridgewater, NJ) is associated with an attenuated skin vasodilator response and a greater rate of rise in core temperature in healthy, middle-age individuals during passive heating in a water perfused suit.

PURPOSE

The present double-blind, crossover study examined the functional consequences of 7 d of low-dose ASA (81 mg·d) versus CLO (75 mg·d) treatment in 14 healthy, middle-age (50-65 yr) men and women during passive heating in air (40 min at 30°C, 40% relative humidity) followed by exercise (60% V˙O2peak).

METHODS

Oral temperature (Tor) was measured in the antechamber (23.0°C ± 0.1°C) before entering a warm environmental chamber. After 40 min of rest, subjects cycled on a recumbent cycle ergometer for up to 120 min. Esophageal temperature (Tes) and laser Doppler flux were measured continuously, and the latter was normalized to maximal cutaneous vascular conductance (%CVCmax).

RESULTS

Before entry into the environmental chamber there were no differences in Tor among treatments; however, after 40 min of rest in the heat, Tes was significantly higher for ASA and CLO versus placebo (37.2°C ± 0.1°C, 37.3°C ± 0.1°C, vs 37.0°C ± 0.1°C, both P < 0.001), a difference that persisted throughout exercise (P < 0.001 vs placebo). The mean body temperature thresholds for the onset of cutaneous vasodilation were shifted to the right for both ASA and CLO during exercise (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

ASA and CLO resulted in elevated core temperatures during passive heat stress and shifted the onset of peripheral thermoeffector mechanisms toward higher body temperatures during exercise heat stress.

Aspirin augments carotid-cardiac baroreflex sensitivity during muscle mechanoreflex and metaboreflex activation in humans

Muscle mechanoreflex activation decreases the sensitivity of carotid baroreflex (CBR)-heart rate (HR) control during local metabolite accumulation in humans. However, the contribution of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) toward this response is unknown. Therefore, the effect of inhibiting TXA2 production via low-dose aspirin on CBR-HR sensitivity during muscle mechanoreflex and metaboreflex activation in humans was examined. Twelve young subjects performed two trials during two visits, preceded by 7 days' low-dose aspirin (81 mg) or placebo. One trial involved 3-min passive calf stretch (mechanoreflex) during 7.5-min limb circulatory occlusion (CO). In another trial, CO was preceded by 1.5 min of 70% maximal voluntary contraction isometric calf exercise to accumulate metabolites during CO and stretch (mechanoreflex and metaboreflex). HR (ECG) and mean arterial pressure (Finometer) were recorded. CBR function was assessed using rapid neck pressures ranging from +40 to -80 mmHg. Aspirin significantly decreased baseline thromboxane B2 production by 84 ± 4% (P < 0.05) but did not affect 6-keto prostaglandin F1α. Following aspirin, stretch with metabolite accumulation significantly augmented maximal gain (GMAX) and operating point gain (GOP) of CBR-HR (GMAX; -0.71 ± 0.14 vs. -0.37 ± 0.08 and GOP; -0.69 ± 0.13 vs. -0.35 ± 0.12 beats·min(-1)·mmHg(-1) for aspirin and placebo, respectively; P < 0.05). CBR-HR function curves were reset similarly with aspirin and placebo during stretch with metabolite accumulation. In conclusion, these findings suggest that low-dose aspirin augments CBR-HR sensitivity during concurrent muscle mechanoreflex and metaboreflex activation in humans. This increased sensitivity appears linked to reduced TXA2 production, which likely plays a role in metabolite sensitization of muscle mechanoreceptors.

Oral clopidogrel improves cutaneous microvascular function through EDHF-dependent mechanisms in middle-aged humans

Platelet P₂Y₁₂-ADP and COX-1 receptor inhibition with oral clopidogrel (CLO) and low-dose aspirin (ASA), respectively, attenuates reflex-mediated cutaneous vasodilation, but little is known about how these medications affect local vasodilatory signaling. Reactive hyperemia (RH) results in vasodilation that is mediated by sensory nerves and endothelium-derived hyperpolarization factors (EDHF) through large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels, whereas slow local heating (LH) elicits vasodilation largely through the production of nitric oxide (NO). We hypothesized that CLO and ASA would attenuate locally mediated cutaneous vasodilation assessed by RH and LH (0.5°C/min). In a randomized, cross-over, double-blind placebo-controlled study, nine healthy men and women (56 ± 1 yr) took CLO (75 mg), ASA (81 mg), and placebo for 7 days. Skin blood flow was measured (laser-Doppler flowmetry, LDF) and cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated (LDF/mean arterial pressure) and normalized to maximal CVC (%CVCmax: 43°C and 28 mM sodium nitroprusside). RH response parameters, including area under the curve (AUC), total hyperemic response (THR), and the decay constant tau (λ) were calculated. NO-dependent vasodilation during LH was assessed by calculating the difference in %CVCmax between a control site and an NO synthase-inhibited site (10 mM l-NAME: intradermal microdialysis). CLO augmented the AUC and THR (AUCclo = 3,783 ± 342; THRclo = 2,306 ± 266% CVCmax/s) of the RH response compared with ASA (AUCASA = 3,101 ± 325; THRASA = 1,695 ± 197% CVCmax/s) and placebo (AUCPlacebo = 3,000 ± 283; THRPlacebo = 1,675 ± 170% CVCmax/s; all P < 0.0001 vs. CLO). There was no difference in the LH response or calculated NO-dependent vasodilation among treatments (all P > 0.05). Oral CLO treatment augments vasodilation during RH but not LH, suggesting that CLO may improve cutaneous microvascular function.

Chronic heart failure does not attenuate the total activity of sympathetic outflow to skin during whole-body heating

BACKGROUND

Previous studies show that the rise in skin blood flow and cutaneous vascular conductance during heat stress is substantially attenuated in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. The mechanisms responsible for this finding are not clear. In particular, little is known regarding the responses of skin sympathetic nerve activity (SSNA) that control the skin blood flow during heat stress in CHF patients. We examined the effects of a modest heat stress to test the hypothesis that SSNA responses could be attenuated in CHF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We assessed SSNA (microneurography) from the peroneal nerve and skin blood flow (forearm laser Doppler) in 9 patients with stable class II-III CHF and in matched healthy subjects during passive whole-body heating with a water-perfused suit. Whole-body heating induced similar increases in internal temperature (≈0.6 °C) in both groups. Whole-body heat stress evoked similar SSNA activation in CHF patients (Δ891±110 U/min) and the control subjects (Δ787±84 U/min; P=0.66), whereas the elevation in forearm cutaneous vascular conductance in patients with CHF was significantly lower than that in healthy control subjects (Δ131±29% vs. Δ623±131%; P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The present data show that SSNA activation during a modest whole-body heat stress is not attenuated in CHF. Thus, the attenuated skin vasodilator response in CHF patients is not attributable to a reduction in total activity of sympathetic outflow to skin.

Peripheral mechanisms of thermoregulatory control of skin blood flow in aged humans

Human skin blood flow is controlled via dual innervation from the sympathetic nervous system. Reflex cutaneous vasoconstriction and vasodilation are both impaired with primary aging, rendering the aged more vulnerable to hypothermia and cardiovascular complications from heat-related illness. Age-related alterations in the thermoregulatory control of skin blood flow occur at multiple points along the efferent arm of the reflex, including 1) diminished sympathetic outflow, 2) altered presynaptic neurotransmitter synthesis, 3) reduced vascular responsiveness, and 4) impairments in downstream (endothelial and vascular smooth muscle) second-messenger signaling. This mechanistic review highlights some of the recent findings in the area of aging and the thermoregulatory control of skin blood flow.