Effect of sympathetic sensitization of baroreceptors on renal nerve activity

The role of sympathetic efferent innervation of the carotid sinus on the regulation of baroreceptor sensitivity was examined in thiopental-sodium anesthetized dogs (5 mg X kg-1 X h-1 infusion). Baroreflex sensitivity was defined as the slope of renal sympathetic efferent nerve activity vs. carotid sinus pressure in an isolated, perfused carotid sinus. Slopes were obtained before and after sinus sympathectomy performed by section of the cervical sympathetic trunk. There was no significant differences between baroreflex decreases in renal sympathetic activity due to increases in carotid sinus pressure before and after sympathectomy, but the responses to decreases in carotid sinus pressure after sympathectomy were significantly greater than control. Base-line level of renal sympathetic activity, obtained at a constant perfusion pressure of 115 mmHg, abruptly increased by 11% in response to sinus sympathectomy. The response of baroreceptors to sympathomimetic stimulation was examined by recording carotid baroreceptor afferent nerve activity during ramp changes in carotid sinus pressure after addition of epinephrine (10(-8) to 10(-6) M) to the perfusate of the sympathetically denervated sinus. The slopes of the sinus nerve activity vs. carotid sinus pressure were used as direct indexes of baroreceptor sensitivity. Lower levels of epinephrine (10(-8), 10(-7) M) increased the sensitivity of the baroreceptors and reduced renal nerve activity back toward presympathectomy levels. A higher dose of epinephrine (10(-6) M) did not significantly increase baroreceptor sensitivity. The results of this study suggest that sinus sympathetic fibers produce a tonic sensitization of the baroreceptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)