Sustained cerebral vasoconstriction during bilateral sympathetic stimulation in anesthetized rabbits

Temporal aspects of bilateral sympathetic nerve stimulation on cerebral blood flow (CBF) were examined in anesthetized rabbits (n = 7). CBF ranged from 32 to 50 ml/min per 100 g. Bilateral stimulation reduced blood flow by 17-31% to cerebrum, diencephalon-mesencephalon and cerebellum, and responses were constant between 2 and 6 min of stimulation. Sustained cerebral vasoconstriction is consistent with an important role for sympathetic nerves in the regulation of CBF.