The role of pressure pulsatility in the carotid baroreflex control: a computer simulation study

The role of pressure pulsatility in the arterial pressure control by the carotid baroreflex was investigated by means of a mathematical model. The model describes the main hemodynamic properties of the cardiovascular system in pulsating conditions, the static and dynamic components of the carotid baroreflex, and their effect on systemic arterial resistance, heart frequency and systemic venous capacity. Experimental findings on the role of pressure pulsatility in the carotid baroreflex were reproduced in terms of a non-linear interaction between the static and dynamic components. Simulations of physiological experiments (mild haemorrhage, carotid occlusion manoeuvres, genesis of self-sustained arterial pressure waves) reveal that the role of pressure pulsatility is meaningful in response to those perturbations (such as carotid occlusion manoeuvres) characterized by different alterations in the mean and pulsating components.