Using direct intraneural recordings (microneurography), I propose to extend my research on factors that modulate reflex control of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in humans including mental stress, somatic afferents and physical conditioning. Unique features of the work include use of microneurography to study 1) differential control of MSNA to arm and leg by cardiopulmonary and cutaneous afferents and 2) modulation of central neural sympathetic outflow during reflex stimuli such as mental stress and baroreceptor activation. I plan to evaluate these control mechanisms in normal subjects and to determine if alterations in these mechanisms contribute to abnormal reflex control in human hypertensives. First, studies are proposed to test the hypothesis that sustained stimulation of arterial baroreceptors is followed by an extended period of inhibition of MSNA even after arterial pressure has returned to control. Second, I will employ simultaneous recordings of MSNA from radial and peroneal nerves to test the hypothesis that cardiopulmonary baroreflexes produce differential control of MSNA to arm and leg. Third, we have obtained preliminary evidence for segmental activation of MSNA during somatic afferent stimulation in normal humans. These observations are intriguing in view of the concept that spinal reflexes are normally inhibited by supraspinal mechanisms. I plan simultaneous recordings from radial and peroneal nerves to test the hypothesis that cutaneous afferent stimulation (cold pressor test) produces segmental as well as generalized increases in MSNA in intact humans. Fourth, we have recently demonstrated that mental stress increases MSNA in the leg in humans. I plan to test the hypothesis that endogenous opioids inhibit and beta adrenergic mechanisms facilitate increases in central neural sympathetic outflow during mental stress. Fifth, our recent work suggests that activation of chemically sensitive muscle afferents by muscle ischemia is the principal stimulus to MSNA during exercise. Physical conditioning minimizes muscle ischemia. I therefore intend to test the hypothesis that physical conditioning will attenuate MSNA responses to exercise. Microneurographic recordings of MSNA are safe and provide a substantial advance for studies of reflex control in humans.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award (R37)
Project #
5R37HL024962-18
Application #
2028054
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (NSS)
Project Start
1979-12-01
Project End
1998-11-30
Budget Start
1996-06-15
Budget End
1998-11-30
Support Year
18
Fiscal Year
1997
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Iowa
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
041294109
City
Iowa City
State
IA
Country
United States
Zip Code
52242
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Ray, C A (1999) Sympathetic adaptations to one-legged training. J Appl Physiol 86:1583-7
Hausberg, M; Sinkey, C A; Mark, A L et al. (1998) Sympathetic nerve activity and insulin sensitivity in normotensive offspring of hypertensive parents. Am J Hypertens 11:1312-20
van de Borne, P; Oren, R; Somers, V K (1998) Dopamine depresses minute ventilation in patients with heart failure. Circulation 98:126-31
Middlekauff, H R; Mark, A L (1998) The treatment of heart failure: the role of neurohumoral activation. Intern Med 37:112-22
Hausberg, M; Hoffman, R P; Somers, V K et al. (1997) Contrasting autonomic and hemodynamic effects of insulin in healthy elderly versus young subjects. Hypertension 29:700-5
van de Borne, P; Mark, A L; Montano, N et al. (1997) Effects of alcohol on sympathetic activity, hemodynamics, and chemoreflex sensitivity. Hypertension 29:1278-83
van de Borne, P; Oren, R; Anderson, E A et al. (1996) Tonic chemoreflex activation does not contribute to elevated muscle sympathetic nerve activity in heart failure. Circulation 94:1325-8
Mark, A L (1996) The sympathetic nervous system in hypertension: a potential long-term regulator of arterial pressure. J Hypertens Suppl 14:S159-65
Schobel, H P; Oren, R M; Mark, A L et al. (1995) Influence of resting sympathetic activity on reflex sympathetic responses in normal man. Clin Auton Res 5:71-80

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