Hemodynamic effects of acute stressors in the conscious rabbit

Chronically instrumented, conscious rabbits were used to test the hypothesis that sensory stimulation with an air jet or oscillation produces differential hemodynamic changes that may be appropriate for an active or a passive behavioral response, respectively. Both stressors increased arterial pressure, central venous pressure, and hindquarters blood flow and produced visceral vasoconstriction. Neither stimulus altered hindquarters conductance. Although air jet increased heart rate and cardiac output, oscillation did not. The two stressors affected arterial baroreflex control of heart rate differently. Oscillation reset arterial pressure to a higher level with no change in heart rate maximum or minimum, whereas air jet reset both heart rate and arterial pressure to higher levels. Neither stressor affected baroreflex sensitivity. We conclude that the conscious rabbit shows at least two distinct cardiovascular responses when exposed to acute stressors. Air jet produces a cardiovascular response including tachycardia, which resembles the defense reaction and appears appropriate for active defense or flight. The response to oscillation, on the other hand, appears better suited for a passive response such as "freezing" behavior. During exposure to either stressor, the baroreflex is altered to allow simultaneous increases in heart rate and arterial blood pressure, but the sensitivity is maintained, allowing normal moment to moment control of heart rate.