Carotid Baroreflex Stimulation in Rats: A Novel Approach to Investigate resistant Hypertension and Immunity Responses

Abstract

Arterial baroreceptor reflex system is one of the most efficient and accurate mechanisms for controlling the arterial pressure (AP) and autonomic nervous system activity [1]. Variations in AP lead to distend arteries, stretching of carotid and aortic baroreceptors. These responses generate action potentials that are conveyed to medullary brainstem nuclei via the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves. Along these nerves, these signals are projected directly into the central nervous system (CNS) to contact with neurons within the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) in the brainstem. After these signals arrive in the brainstem, the autonomic nervous system (via efferent parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves) is recruited to compensate the change in AP. Thus, the baroreflex is an important short-term regulatory system for the control of AP and this reflex mechanism is maintained in a narrow range of oscillation [2,3]. Damage in afferents or efferent baroreceptors is known to result in baroreflex and autonomic failure [4]. Electrical Stimulation of Peripheral Nerves