Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2026
Implantation of Combined Telemetric ECG and Blood Pressure Transmitters to Determine Spontaneous Baroreflex Sensitivity in Conscious Mice
Published on: February 14, 2021
Baroreflex sensitivity in nonapneic snorers and control subjects before and after nasal continuous positive airway
Gregory J Gates1, Susan E Mateika, Robert C Basner
1John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, 4646 John R (11R), Room 4308, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
Hypothesis:
We hypothesized that baroreflex sensitivity is decreased during wakefulness and non-rapid eye movement sleep in normotensive, nonapneic snorers who are otherwise healthy. Moreover, we hypothesized that nocturnal alterations in baroreflex sensitivity are abolished during the application of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP).
Design:
The sequencing technique was used to measure baroreflex sensitivity in 16 normotensive nonapneic snorers and 16 control subjects matched for age, height, weight, gender, and race. Subsequently, baroreflex sensitivity was measured in 12 of 16 snorers and 14 of 16 control subjects during the application of nCPAP.
Results:
Mean (+/- SE) baroreflex sensitivity was reduced during sleep in the nonapneic snoring group (wakefulness, 20.99 +/- 1.46 ms/mm Hg; sleep, 15.85 +/- 1.49 ms/mm Hg), but not in the control group (wakefulness, 21.82 +/- 2.48 ms/mm Hg; sleep, 23.54 +/- 2.18 ms/mm Hg). This reduction was abolished by the application of nCPAP in the snoring group (before nCPAP therapy, 16.30 +/- 2.17 ms/mm Hg; during nCPAP therapy, 20.63 +/- 2.40 ms/mm Hg). The application of nCPAP did not alter baroreflex sensitivity in the control group (before nCPAP therapy, 23.54 +/- 2.18 ms/mm Hg; during nCPAP therapy, 22.56 +/- 1.73 ms/mm Hg). BP was not significantly different between the snoring and control groups either before or during nCPAP application.
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that nocturnal alterations in baroreflex sensitivity may exist in nonapneic snoring subjects prior to alterations in other cardiovascular variables.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Physiological Control of Respiration
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
01:22Physiology of Respiration II: Neurogenic Control of Respiration
Central Control
The brainstem is the primary site of central control, hosting respiratory centers:
01:23Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
01:17Other Factors Affecting Respiration Centers
However, the ability to hold one's breath voluntarily is not limitless. When the CO2 concentration in the blood reaches a critical level,...
01:18Neural Control of Respiration
Respiratory Centers in the Brainstem
Two primary areas comprise the respiratory center: the medullary respiratory center in the medulla oblongata and the pontine respiratory group in the pons. The...
01:31Chemical Factors Affecting Respiration Centers
CO2 has a potent influence on respiration and is strictly regulated. Under...