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Vestibular activation of sympathetic nerve activityAIM: The vestibulosympathetic reflex refers to sympathetic nerve activation by the vestibular system. Animal studies indicate that the vestibular system assists in blood pressure regulation during orthostasis. Although human studies clearly demonstrate activation of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) during engagement of the otolith organs, the role of the vestibulosympathetic reflex in maintaining blood pressure during orthostasis is not well-established. Examination of the vestibulosympathetic reflex with other cardiovascular reflexes indicates that it is a powerful and independent reflex. Ageing, which is associated with an increased risk for orthostatic hypotension, attenuates the vestibulosympathetic reflex. The attenuated reflex is associated with a reduction in arterial pressure. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the vestibulosympathetic reflex assists in blood pressure regulation in humans, but future studies examining this reflex in other orthostatically intolerant populations are necessary to address this hypothesis.
Document ID
20040087816
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Ray, C. A.
(General Clinical Research Center, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine Hershey, PA 17033-2390, United States)
Carter, J. R.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 2003
Publication Information
Publication: Acta physiologica Scandinavica
Volume: 177
Issue: 3
ISSN: 0001-6772
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Review
Review, Tutorial
Non-NASA Center
NASA Discipline Neuroscience

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