Journal of Applied Physiology Journal of Applied Physiology
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J Appl Physiol 86: 1971-1976, 1999;
8750-7587/99 $5.00
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Vol. 86, Issue 6, 1971-1976, June 1999

Sympathetic responses to head-down rotations in humans

Keith M. Hume and Chester A. Ray

Departments of Medicine and of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, General Clinical Research Center, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033; and Department of Exercise Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602

Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) increases with head-down neck flexion (HDNF). The present study had three aims: 1) to examine sympathetic and vascular responses to two different magnitudes of HDNF; 2) to examine these same responses during prolonged HDNF; and 3) to determine the influence of nonspecific pressure receptors in the head on MSNA. The first experiment tested responses to two static head positions in the vertical axis [HDNF and intermediate HDNF (I-HDNF; ~50% of HDNF)]. MSNA increased above baseline during both I-HDNF and HDNF (from 219 ± 36 to 301 ± 47 and from 238 ± 42 to 356 ± 59 units/min, respectively; P < 0.01). Calf blood flow (CBF) decreased and calf vascular resistance increased during both I-HDNF and HDNF (P < 0.01). Both the increase in MSNA and the decrease in CBF were linearly related to the magnitude of the downward head rotations (P < 0.01). The second experiment tested responses during prolonged HDNF. MSNA increased (from 223 ± 63 to 315 ± 79 units/min; P < 0.01) and CBF decreased (from 3.2 ± 0.4 to 2.6 ± 0.04 ml · 100 ml-1 · min-1; P < 0.01) at the onset of HDNF. These responses were maintained throughout the 30-min period. Mean arterial blood pressure gradually increased during the 30 min of HDNF (from 94 ± 4 to 105 ± 3 mmHg; P < 0.01). In a third experiment, head-down neck extension was performed with subjects in the supine position. Unlike HDNF, head-down neck extension did not affect MSNA. The results from these studies demonstrate that MSNA: 1) increases in magnitude as the degree of HDNF increases; 2) remains elevated above baseline during prolonged HDNF; and 3) responses during HDNF are not associated with nonspecific receptors in the head activated by increases in cerebral pressure.

autonomic nervous system; cardiovascular control; orthostasis; vascular resistance; vestibulosympathetic reflex; otolith organs; semicircular canals


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