Interplay and interference of the carotid baroreceptors, central command, ergoreceptors on the peripheral vascular...

1. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of the carotid baroreceptors on the peripheral vascular responses during static exercise and its interference with the 'central command' and the ergoreceptors. 2. Ten healthy subjects performed an isometric handgrip with 30% of maximal voluntary contraction for 1.5 min. Five seconds prior to the end of the exercise the arterial circulation to the exercising forearm muscles was occluded for 1.5 min. The carotid baroreceptors were stimulated by neck suction at -40 mmHg for 0.5 min in each period, and also during control and recovery phase. Contralateral forearm and calf blood flow were measured simultaneously with ECG-triggered venous occlusion plethysmography. 3. The present findings suggest that there are 'central command' and ergoreceptors which modulate carotid baroreflex function to the afferent output to the heart and the peripheral circulation.