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A wide range of baroreflex stimulation does not alter forearm blood flow

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Abstract

The contribution to the regulation of forearm blood flow (FBF) by different baroreceptor populations has previously only been studied over a limited range of stimuli. Therefore, FBF and R-R interval were recorded during neck suctions and neck pressures ranging from −60 to +40 mmHg. The change in R-R interval (ΔR-R) during neck suction was significantly increased at each stage when compared to the control (P<0.05). ΔR-R did not show any significant change during any of the neck pressure stages (P>0.05). Suction or pressure applied to the neck did not elicit any significant changes in FBF when compared to the control (P>0.05). These data show that widening the range of applied stimuli to carotid sinus baroreceptors does not induce a change in FBF. However, the small transient changes reported previously cannot be discounted.

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Author notes

  1. Reuben Howden

    Present address: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Building 101, MD D2–01, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Physiology of Exercise, De Montfort University, Lansdowne Road, Bedford, UK

    Reuben Howden & Stephen J. Brown

  2. Department of Health Promotion and Kinesiology, University of North Carolina, 9201 University City Boulevard, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

    J. Timothy Lightfoot & Michael J. Turner

  3. Canterbury Christ Church University College, North Holmes Road, Canterbury, UK

    Ian L. Swaine

Authors
  1. Reuben Howden
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  2. J. Timothy Lightfoot
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  3. Michael J. Turner
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  4. Stephen J. Brown
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  5. Ian L. Swaine
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Correspondence to Reuben Howden.

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Howden, R., Lightfoot, J.T., Turner, M.J. et al. A wide range of baroreflex stimulation does not alter forearm blood flow. Eur J Appl Physiol 93, 124–129 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-004-1181-7

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