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[Aortic baroreceptor function in narcotized rabbits during alpha-adrenoceptor blockade with prazosin]
Biomedica Biochimica Acta
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Alpha-adrenoceptor blockade with prazosin abolishes the baroreceptor heart reflex in rabbits. Prazosin increases arterial baroreceptor sensitivity and alters vessel wall properties, impacting cardiovascular regulation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Autonomic Nervous System
Context:
- Alpha-adrenoceptor blockade influences mechanical vessel wall properties.
- Arterial baroreceptor function is potentially altered by alpha-adrenoceptor blockade.
Purpose:
- To investigate the effects of prazosin, an alpha-adrenoceptor blocker, on aortic baroreceptor function and the baroreceptor heart reflex in rabbits.
- To determine dose-dependent effects of prazosin on arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and baroreceptor sensitivity.
Summary:
- Intravenous administration of prazosin in rabbits dose-dependently slowed arterial blood pressure while heart rate remained similar.
- The baroreceptor heart reflex was completely abolished after prazosin administration.
- Prazosin significantly increased baroreceptor sensitivity, shifting the characteristic curve leftward and making it steeper.
Impact:
- Prazosin directly blocks the baroreceptor heart reflex via the parasympathetic pathway.
- Prazosin enhances arterial baroreceptor sensitivity through its influence on vessel wall properties.
- Findings elucidate the complex cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms affected by alpha-adrenoceptor blockade.