Malnutrition enhances cardiovascular responses to chemoreflex activation in awake rats

Several studies in the literature suggest that low-protein intake is associated with increases in sympathetic efferent activity and cardiovascular disease. Among the possible mechanisms, changes in the neurotransmission of cardiovascular reflexes have been implicated. Therefore, the present study co...

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Published in:Life sciences (1973) 2007-07, Vol.81 (7), p.609-614
Main Authors: Penitente, Arlete Rita, Fernandes, Luciano Gonçalves, Cardoso, Leonardo Máximo, Silva, Marcelo Eustáquio, Pedrosa, Maria Lúcia, Silva, Antônio Leite, Haibara, Andréa Siqueira, Moraes, Márcio Flávio Dutra, Chianca, Deoclécio Alves
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Albumin
Animals
Arterial pressure
Autonomic Nervous System - physiology
Blood Glucose - metabolism
Blood Pressure - physiology
Blood Proteins - metabolism
Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena
Carotid Arteries - physiology
Carotid Body - physiology
Chemoreflex
Diet
Heart Rate - drug effects
Low-protein diet
Male
Malnutrition - blood
Malnutrition - physiopathology
Potassium Cyanide - pharmacology
Rats
Rats, Inbred F344
Reflex - drug effects
Reflex - physiology
Serum Albumin - metabolism
Sympathetic activity
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Summary:Several studies in the literature suggest that low-protein intake is associated with increases in sympathetic efferent activity and cardiovascular disease. Among the possible mechanisms, changes in the neurotransmission of cardiovascular reflexes have been implicated. Therefore, the present study comprised the evaluation of chemoreflex responsiveness in rats subjected to a low-protein diet during the 35 days after weaning. As a result, we observed that malnourished rats presented higher levels of baseline mean arterial pressure and heart rate and exhibited a mild increase in the pressor response to chemoreflex activation. They also exhibited a massive bradycardic response to chemoreflex activation. Interestingly, bilateral ligature of the carotid body arteries further increased baseline mean arterial pressure and heart rate in malnourished animals. The data suggest severe autonomic imbalance and/or change in the central interplay between neural and cardiovascular mechanisms.
ISSN:0024-3205
1879-0631
DOI:10.1016/j.lfs.2007.07.006