Reflex sympathetic activation in humans is accompanied by inhibition of gastric HCO3- secretion

The study was performed to determine whether the sympathetic nervous system contributes to the reflex control of gastric HCO3- secretion in humans. Gastric HCO3- secretion was registered by a computerized technique based on measurements of pH and PCO2 in gastric effluent. To minimize formation of CO2 in the stomach, subjects were pretreated with the H2-receptor blocker ranitidine. Compensations were made for HCO3- of nongastric origin. As indicators of cardiovascular sympathetic activity, we measured heart rate, forearm vascular resistance, and plasma catecholamine concentrations. In one series of experiments, peripheral sympathetic activity was enhanced by the application of a negative pressure around the lower part of the body (lower body negative pressure, LBNP), at a rate sufficient to induce a slight decrease in systemic arterial pressure. In another series of experiments, peripheral sympathetic activity was inhibited by elevation of the legs, a procedure that simulates volume loading by redistributing blood volume toward the central circulation. LBNP at -20 mmHg decreased systolic pressure and pulse pressure and significantly increased heart rate, forearm vascular resistance, and plasma catecholamine levels. All these effects were observed in the first 15-min period of LBNP and were well maintained throughout the 45-min observation period. LBNP also inhibited basal gastric HCO3- secretion rate in seven of eight individuals, but this response was slower in onset with a latency of at least 15 min. Elevation of the legs increased pulse pressure and decreased forearm vascular resistance. Catecholamines were not measured in these experiments. Gastric HCO3- secretion tended to increase, but the magnitude of the response was highly variable.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)