Baroreceptor denervation reduces inflammatory status but worsens cardiovascular collapse during systemic inflammation

Sci Rep. 2020 Apr 24;10(1):6990. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-63949-x.

Abstract

Beyond the regulation of cardiovascular function, baroreceptor afferents play polymodal roles in health and disease. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by systemic inflammation (SI) and hemodynamic dysfunction. We hypothesized that baroreceptor denervation worsens lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced-hemodynamic collapse and SI in conscious rats. We combined: (a) hemodynamic and thermoregulatory recordings after LPS administration at a septic-like non-lethal dose (b) analysis of the cardiovascular complexity, (c) evaluation of vascular function in mesenteric resistance vessels, and (d) measurements of inflammatory cytokines (plasma and spleen). LPS-induced drop in blood pressure was higher in sino-aortic denervated (SAD) rats. LPS-induced hemodynamic collapse was associated with SAD-dependent autonomic disbalance. LPS-induced vascular dysfunction was not affected by SAD. Surprisingly, SAD blunted LPS-induced surges of plasma and spleen cytokines. These data indicate that baroreceptor afferents are key to alleviate LPS-induced hemodynamic collapse, affecting the autonomic control of cardiovascular function, without affecting resistance blood vessels. Moreover, baroreflex modulation of the LPS-induced SI and hemodynamic collapse are not dependent of each other given that baroreceptor denervation worsened hypotension and reduced SI.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Baroreflex / immunology
  • Baroreflex / physiology
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects
  • Heart Rate / drug effects
  • Hemodynamics / immunology
  • Hemodynamics / physiology
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / metabolism*
  • Lipopolysaccharides / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar

Substances

  • Lipopolysaccharides