Barosensory vessel mechanics and the vascular sympathetic baroreflex: Impact on blood pressure homeostasis
An age-associated increase in arterial blood pressure is evident for apparently healthy humans. This is frequently attributed to stiffening of the central arteries and a concurrent increase in sympathetic outflow, potentially mediated by a reduced ability of the baroreceptive vessels to distend. This is supported, in part, by a reduced mechanical component of the vascular sympathetic baroreflex (i.e., a reduction in distension for a given pressure). Previous characterization of the mechanical component has assessed only carotid artery distension; however, evidence suggests that both the aortic and carotid baroreflexes are integral to blood pressure regulation. In addition, given that baroreceptors are located in the vessel wall, the change in wall tension, comprising diameter, pressure and vessel wall thickness, and the mechanics of this change might provide a better index of the baroreceptor stimulus than the previous method used to characterize the mechanical component that relies on diameter alone. This brief review summarizes the data using this new method of assessing barosensory vessel mechanics and their influence on the vascular sympathetic baroreflex across the lifespan.
History
Published in
Experimental PhysiologyPublisher
WileyVersion
- VoR (Version of Record)
Citation
Hughes, G. W., Moore, J. P., & Lord, R. N. (2023) 'Barosensory vessel mechanics and the vascular sympathetic baroreflex: Impact on blood pressure homeostasis', Experimental Physiology. doi: 10.1113/EP089686Print ISSN
0958-0670Electronic ISSN
1469-445XCardiff Met Affiliation
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences
Cardiff Met Authors
Rachel LordCardiff Met Research Centre/Group
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Copyright Holder
- © The Authors
Language
- en