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Department of Biomedical Sciences and Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211
Prolonged exposure to
microgravity or bed rest produces cardiovascular deconditioning, which
is characterized by reductions in plasma volume, alterations in
autonomic function, and a predisposition toward orthostatic
intolerance. Although the precise mechanisms have not been fully
elucidated, it is possible that augmented cardiopulmonary reflexes
contribute to some of these effects. The purpose of the present study
was to test the hypothesis that sympathoinhibitory responses to volume
expansion are enhanced in the hindlimb-unloaded (HU) rat, a model of
cardiovascular deconditioning. Mean arterial blood pressure, heart
rate, and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) responses to isotonic
volume expansion (0.9% saline iv, 15% of plasma volume over 5 min)
were examined in conscious HU (14 days) and control animals.
Volume expansion produced decreases in RSNA in both groups; however,
this effect was significantly greater in HU rats (
46 ± 7 vs.
25 ± 4% in controls). Animals instrumented for central venous
pressure (CVP) did not exhibit differences in CVP responses to volume
expansion. These data suggest that enhanced cardiopulmonary reflexes
may be involved in the maintenance of reduced plasma volume and
contribute to attenuated baroreflex-mediated sympathoexcitation after
spaceflight or bed rest.
cardiovascular deconditioning; sympathetic nerve activity; cardiopulmonary receptor reflex; hindlimb suspension; orthostatic intolerance
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