[Baroreflex regulation of the cardiovascular system during hyperthermia]

Abstract

Baroreflex control of human skin blood flow during hyperthermia is predominantly mediated by the stimulation of cardiopulmonary low pressure baroreceptors. Under hyperthermic conditions, the active cutaneous vasodilator system represents an efferent arm of the baroreflex, when baroreceptor unloading elicits withdrawal of sympathetic active vasodilator activity. Splanchnic sympathetic nerve activity is not likely modulated by the arterial and cardiopulmonary baroreceptors during hyperthermia. Little is known regarding the effects of heat stress on baroreflex control of the heart rate and on the vascular resistance. Baroreflex control of heart rate during heat stress seems to be dependent on the species of experimental animals and on their age.