Document Detail


Mechanisms of cutaneous vasoconstriction during upright posture.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  9055940     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
The cutaneous circulation is thought to participate in the neurocirculatory adjustments during orthostatic stress, but the underlying mechanisms mediating such reflex cutaneous vasoconstriction are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess the relative importance of baroreceptor (cardiopulmonary and arterial) and positional (vestibular, exercise, veno-arteriolar and myogenic) reflexes in triggering cutaneous vasoconstriction during upright posture. First, hypotensive lower body negative pressure (LBNP) was compared with actual postural changes to assess the relative contributions of baroreceptor reflexes and positional reflexes. Then changes in body position were compared with changes in limb position in the absence or presence of proximal (axillary) or distal (local cutaneous) nerve blocks, to assess the relative contributions of vestibular, exercise, veno-arteriolar and myogenic reflexes. Skin sympathetic nerve activity was determined by microneurography, and skin blood flow was determined by laser Doppler velocimetry. LBNP of -50 mm Hg cardiopulmonary + arterial baroreceptors) had no effect on skin sympathetic nerve activity or skin vascular resistance. In contrast, an upright posture with the arms dependent (baroreceptor + vestibular + exercise + veno-arteriolar reflexes) caused a two- to threefold increase in skin vascular resistance. In the supine position passive movement of the arm into a dependent position to activate veno-arteriolar reflexes alone evoked an increase in skin vascular resistance which approximated the response to normal upright posture. Blocking central sympathetic nerve impulses by application of an axillary blockade did not influence the cutaneous vasoconstrictor response to an upright posture or changes in limb position. In contrast, application of a distal nerve block by local cutaneous surface anaesthesia completely blocked vasoconstrictor responses evoked by these manoeuvres. In conclusion, these experiments in human subjects identify a primary role for veno-arteriolar reflexes in triggering vasoconstriction in the cutaneous circulation during upright posture.
Authors:
S F Vissing; N H Secher; R G Victor
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Acta physiologica Scandinavica     Volume:  159     ISSN:  0001-6772     ISO Abbreviation:  Acta Physiol. Scand.     Publication Date:  1997 Feb 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  1997-05-23     Completed Date:  1997-05-23     Revised Date:  2007-11-14    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0370362     Medline TA:  Acta Physiol Scand     Country:  ENGLAND    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  131-8     Citation Subset:  IM; S    
Affiliation:
Copenhagen Muscle Research Centre, Rigshospitaler, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adult
Axilla / innervation
Baroreflex / physiology
Extremities / physiology
Female
Humans
Laser-Doppler Flowmetry
Lower Body Negative Pressure
Male
Nerve Block
Posture / physiology*
Reflex / physiology
Skin / blood supply*,  innervation
Supine Position
Sympathetic Nervous System / physiology
Vascular Resistance / physiology
Vasoconstriction / physiology*
Grant Support
ID/Acronym/Agency:
HL01886/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS; HL06296/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS

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