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Vagal function in health and disease: studies in Pittsburgh
J Richard Jennings1, Maurits W van der Molen, Riek J M Somsen
1Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 15213, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. JenningsJR@msx.upmc.edu
Abstract:
The integration of behavioral processes with changes in vagally-controlled heart rate has been the focus of our investigations. A series of studies is reviewed showing that central and peripheral response inhibition is a primary source of transient, vagally-induced cardiac slowing during information processing. Individual differences in such responses are then shown to relate to the amplitude of cardiovascular responses to stressors. Overall, the specificity and sensitivity of vagal responses to higher level cortical function is supported by our research.