Differential pattern of sympathetic outflow during upper airway stimulation with smoke

This study investigates directly the possibility that sympathetic discharge to the heart is decreased while it is increased to other organs during upper respiratory perfusion with cigarette smoke. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate, ECG, and respiratory movements were monitored in urethane-anesthetized rabbits. Insertion of two cannulas allowed respiration of room air while passing smoke across the upper respiratory irritant receptors and out through the nares. Through a retroplural incision, the left stellate ganglion was exposed and a cardiac branch isolated. Similarly, a left renal nerve was isolated. Multiunit nerve recordings were obtained from both nerves. In four control animals, cigarette smoke (50 ml) caused apnea, bradycardia (-116 beats/min) and increased BP (33 mmHg). Activity in the renal nerve increased (248% of control [C]) and activity in the cardiac nerve was reduced (62% C). In these animals after Flaxedil and artificial respiration, nerve activity responses were still pronounced (renal, 178% C; cardiac, 66% C). In four other barodenervated animals neural responses to smoke were similar to those observed with baroreceptors intact (renal, 211% C; cardiac, 51% C). In these animals after artificial ventilation and Flaxedil, responses were not significantly changed. These results indicate that smoke stimulation causes a differential pattern of sympathetic discharge. The responses observed cannot be accounted for by secondary adjustments through arterial baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, or pulmonary stretch receptors.