Snoring effects on the baroreflex: an animal model

Abstract

Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) is reduced in humans during snoring, however the mechanisms are unknown. We used an anaesthetised rabbit induced snoring (IS) model, to test: (1) whether IS was associated with reduced BRS; and (2) if snoring related vibration transmission to peri-carotid tissues influenced BRS levels. BRS was quantified using the spontaneous sequence technique. During IS, BRS fell by 40%, without any associated change in blood pressure (BP) but accompanied by an increase in heart rate (HR). Direct application of a snore frequency and intensity matched vibratory stimulus to the peri-carotid tissues of non-snoring tracheostomised rabbits had no effect on BRS, HR or BP. In conclusion, IS induced depression of BRS is likely mediated via a HR driven change in BRS operating point that is unrelated to snoring-related vibration transmission to carotid baroreceptors. The anaesthetised IS rabbit provides a model in which mechanistic interactions between snoring and BRS can be further explored.