Effect of jugular venous pressure on cerebral autoregulation in dogs

We determined the importance of a myogenic sensor of cerebral autoregulation by assessing the effect of vascular transmural pressure on cerebral blood flow (CBF) as cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) was decreased. Decreasing CPP by decreased arterial pressure (Pa) or increased intracranial pressure (Pcsf) decreases transmural pressure, whereas increased jugular venous pressure (Pjv) increases transmural pressure. Regional CBF was measured in barbiturate-anesthetized dogs using radiolabeled microspheres. In group 1 (n = 5), CPP was decreased by decreasing Pa; in group 2 (n = 5), CPP was decreased by increasing Pcsf (Pa = 80 mmHg); and in group 3 (n = 5) CPP was decreased by increasing Pjv (Pa = 80 mmHg). CPP was reduced from 80 to 30 mmHg in 10-mm increments in each group. In groups 1 and 2 regional CBF was maintained as CPP was decreased to 40 mmHg; however, at CPP of 30 mmHg, blood flow to cerebrum, caudate, and periventricular white matter decreased, whereas flow to cerebellum and medulla remained unchanged. In group 3 regional CBF was unchanged as CPP decreased from 80 to 50 mmHg but decreased in all regions as CPP decreased further. In all three groups, cerebrovascular resistance continuously declined as CPP was decreased. In all groups, cerebral O2 uptake was unaltered. Autoregulation fails at a higher CPP with increased Pjv than with decreased Pa or increased Pcsf, particularly in brain stem. We conclude that metabolic autoregulation predominates over the myogenic mechanism until CPP is low.