Cardiovascular reflexes elicited by passive gastric distension in anesthetized cats

Hemodynamic responses to passive gastric distension were examined in alpha-chloralose anesthetized cats. Gastric balloons were distended with 37 degrees C fluid at slow (50 ml/min) and rapid (250 ml/min) infusion rates before and after laparotomy. Passive gastric distension at the slow infusion rate significantly (P less than 0.05) increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) by 28%, dP/dt at 40 mmHg developed pressure by 29%, and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) by 35%. Likewise, the rapid distension rate significantly (P less than 0.05) increased MAP (20%), dP/dt (16%), and SVR (23%). Heart rate, aortic flow, and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure remained unchanged at both distension rates. Cardiovascular responses to passive gastric distension were similar before and after laparotomy. Section of the vagus nerve at the diaphragm did not alter the responses, whereas abdominal splanchnic nerve section significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced the changes in mean arterial pressure and dP/dt. These results indicate that passive gastric distension in the cat elicits cardiovascular reflexes sufficient to increase myocardial oxygen demand. Such a reflex response could potentially contribute to postprandial angina in humans.