Thyroid function and dysfunction in term and premature equine neonates.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to compare thyroid function of premature foals to term foals. HYPOTHESIS: Premature foals are more markedly hypothyroxinemic than expected for their severity of illness alone. ANIMALS: Twenty clinically normal term foals; 28 sick, hospitalized term foals; 24 sick, hospitalized premature foals. METHODS: Thyroid hormones (TH) and thyrotropin (TSH) were measured, both at rest and in response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), in the 3 groups of foals. Clinical and clinicopathologic data were recorded. RESULTS: Normal foals had high TH at birth, which decreased over the first month into the normal reference range for adult horses. TSH was within the normal adult reference range soon after birth, and did not change over time. At 24-36 hours of age, triiodothyronine (T3) was significantly lower in both premature and term hospitalized foals compared to normal foals; premature foals were not different from term hospitalized foals. Thyroxine (T4) was not different between normal and term hospitalized foals, but was significantly lower than in premature foals of both of these groups. TSH was not different among the 3 groups. TRH stimulation tests identified significant differences in T4 among all 3 groups of foals, whereas T3 was similar in premature and term hospitalized foals and different from normal foals. TSH response to TRH was significantly higher in premature foals compared to normal foals. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis is different in foals compared to adult horses. Sick foals exhibit nonthyroidal illness syndrome. Premature foals are more markedly hypothyroxinemic than can be accounted for by their severity of illness alone.

Nonthyroidal illness syndrome in adult horses.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to determine whether sick horses have thyroid hormone (TH) alterations similar to those observed in nonthyroidal illness syndrome in other species. HYPOTHESIS: Horses suffering from systemic diseases have decreased THs and inappropriately low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). ANIMALS: Seventy-one clinically normal horses; 380 hospitalized horses. METHODS: Total thyroxine (TT4), free thyroxine by equilibrium dialysis (fT4D), total triiodothyronine (TT3), free triiodothyronine (fT3), and TSH were measured in normal and hospitalized horses. Disease severity was categorized as mild, moderate, or severe by both subjective and objective criteria. RESULTS: Negative correlations existed between all THs, except TSH, and objective illness severity scores. These scores also increased with each subjective disease severity category. TT3 and fT3 were decreased with mild disease. TT3 progressively decreased more with moderate and severe disease. TT4 and fT4D remained normal with mild disease, but decreased progressively with disease severity. TSH increased with mild disease, but remained normal with moderate or severe disease. Horses that died or were euthanized had lower concentrations of all THs, except TSH, when compared with those that lived. In horses that received >3 doses of NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or heparin compared to 0-3 doses, TT3 and TT4 were decreased, whereas fT4D and TSH remained normal. There were minimal TH changes in horses that were not eating. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Thyroid hormones decrease in horses with systemic disease. TT3 decreases first, followed by TT4 and fT4D. TSH fails to increase proportionally to the changes in THs, indicating hypothalamic-pituitary axis dysregulation. NSAIDs, corticosteroids, heparin, and fasting have less effect on THs compared with disease severity.

Effects of quinapril on angiotensin converting enzyme and plasma renin activity as well as pharmacokinetic parameters of quinapril and its active metabolite, quinaprilat, after intravenous and oral administration to mature horses.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors improve survival and quality of life in human patients and small animals with cardiovascular and renal disease. There is limited information regarding their effects in horses. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of quinapril and its effects on ACE and renin in horses. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study using healthy mature horses. METHODS: Six healthy horses were administered quinapril at 120 mg i.v., 120 mg per os and 240 mg per os in a 3-way crossover design. Blood was collected for measurement of quinapril and quinaprilat concentrations using ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. Angiotensin converting enzyme activity and renin activity were measured using a radioenzymatic assay. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic modelling and statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: No adverse effects were observed during the study period. Intravenous and oral administration significantly inhibited ACE activity. Renin concentrations increased in all groups, but this increase was not statistically significant. Following i.v. administration of quinapril, mean terminal half-life was 0.694 h and 1.734 h for quinapril and quinaprilat, respectively. The mean volume of distribution and clearance for quinapril were 0.242 l/kg bwt and 11.93 ml/kg bwt/min, respectively. Maximum concentration for quinaprilat was 145 ng/ml at 0.167 h. Bioavailability of quinapril following oral administration was <5%. Quinaprilat was detected in all horses following oral administration of quinapril; however, it was below the limit of quantification of the assay (2.5 ng/ml) for most horses in the 120 mg dosing group. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that, despite low plasma concentrations, quinapril has sufficient oral absorption to produce inhibition of ACE in healthy horses. Controlled studies in clinically affected horses are indicated. Quinapril provides a potential treatment alternative for horses with cardiovascular and renal disease.

Polyomavirus-associated nephritis in 2 horses.

Polyomaviruses produce latent and asymptomatic infections in many species, but productive and lytic infections are rare. In immunocompromised humans, polyomaviruses can cause tubulointerstitial nephritis, demyelination, or meningoencephalitis in the central nervous system and interstitial pneumonia. This report describes 2 Standardbred horses with tubular necrosis and tubulointerstitial nephritis associated with productive equine polyomavirus infection that resembles BK polyomavirus nephropathy in immunocompromised humans.

Thyroid function in anhidrotic horses.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to determine whether anhidrotic horses have altered thyroid function compared with horses that sweat normally. HYPOTHESIS: Anhidrotic horses have normal thyroid function. ANIMALS: Ten client-owned horses with clinical signs of anhidrosis were paired with 10 horses living in the same environment that had normal sweat production. METHODS: Horses were diagnosed as having normal sweat production or being anhidrotic based on responses to intradermal injections of terbutaline and physiologic responses to lunging exercise. Control horses were selected from the same environment and matched as closely as possible to anhidrotic horses in terms of age, sex, breed, and athletic condition. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation tests were performed in both horses at the same time, once in the summer or fall, and once again in winter. RESULTS: Anhidrotic horses produced less sweat in response to intradermal injections of terbutaline and exercise than did control horses. They also had greater increases in body temperature and respiratory rate in response to exercise. Resting concentrations of thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were not different between anhidrotic and control horses. Thyroid hormone responses to TRH also were not different between the 2 groups of horses. However, anhidrotic horses had a significantly different TSH response to TRH compared with control horses, particularly in the winter. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The biologic relevance of the altered TSH response to TRH in anhidrotic horses is uncertain, considering that TSH concentrations remained within previously reported normal ranges and thyroid hormone responses were not different between anhidrotic and control horses.

Hepatic abscesses in three horses.

Hepatic abscesses were diagnosed in 3 adult horses. Two were < 4 years old and had evidence of concurrent immune-mediated conditions, including aseptic arthritis, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, and immune-mediated anemia. Predisposing factors for hepatic abscess formation in these horses included prior abdominal surgery, proximal duodenitis/jejunitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and a penetrating foreign body in the large colon. Serum hepatic enzyme activities were within or slightly greater then reference limits in all 3 horses. The most pronounced and consistent abnormalities on CBC and serum biochemical analyses were hyperproteinemia, hyperglobulinemia, and a decreased albumin-to-globulin concentration ratio. Hepatic ultrasonography identified hepatic abscesses in all 3 horses. A variety of bacteria were isolated from these abscesses, including Staphylococus aureus and Bacteroides fragilis. One horse developed septic tibiotarsal arthritis, presumably as a result of intermittent bacteremia. Despite aggressive medical treatment, all horses were euthanatized because of a worsening condition and poor prognosis.

Pharmacokinetics of ibuprofen after intravenous and oral administration and assessment of safety of administration to healthy foals.

OBJECTIVE: To determine pharmacokinetics of ibuprofen in healthy foals and to determine clinical effects after oral administration for 6 days. ANIMALS: 7 healthy 5- to 10-week-old foals. PROCEDURE: Serum concentrations of ibuprofen were measured after IV and oral (nasogastric tube) administration at dosages of 10 and 25 mg/kg of body weight. Foals were given ibuprofen (25 mg/kg, PO, q 8 h) as a paste for 6 days. Serum and urine were obtained before and after the 6-day period. RESULTS: Half-life of elimination (Kel t1/2) of IV-administered ibuprofen (ie, 10 and 25 mg/kg), was 79 and 108 minutes, maximal serum concentration (C(MAX)) was 82 and 160 microg/ml, and clearance was 0.003 and 0.002 L/kg/min, respectively. At the higher dosage, clearance was significantly lower and C(MAX) was significantly higher. Ibuprofen given via nasogastric tube resulted in Kel t1/2 of 81 and 100 minutes and C(MAX) of 22 and 52 microg/ml for 10 and 25 mg/kg, respectively. The absorption half-life was 13 minutes, and bioavailability ranged from 71 to 100%. Foals remained healthy during oral administration of ibuprofen. Serum urea nitrogen, creatinine, and L-iditol dehydrogenase values increased significantly, and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity and osmolality decreased, but all measurements remained within reference ranges. Urine GGT activity doubled. Necropsy did not reveal gross or histologic renal lesions attributable to ibuprofen. Acute gastric ulcers were evident in 1 foal, although clinical signs of ulcers were not observed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ibuprofen can be given safely to healthy foals at dosages < or = 25 mg/kg every 8 hours for up to 6 days.

Lameness and pleural effusion associated with an aggressive fibrosarcoma in a horse.

An 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was admitted for evaluation of chronic lameness of the left scapulohumeral joint of 3 months' duration. Radiography revealed a radiolucent lesion with the proximal portion of the humerus in the area of the metaphysis. Scintigraphy confirmed radiographic findings, with an increased uptake of technetium Tc 99m medronate in the proximal portion of the left humerus. A preliminary diagnosis of humeral fracture was made. Two weeks later, the horse was readmitted for clinical signs of respiratory distress. Radiographic and ultrasonographic evaluation revealed masses within the thoracic and abdominal cavities. The diagnosis was changed to neoplasm with multiple metastases. Because of the unfavorable prognosis, the horse was euthanatized. Necropsy findings confirmed an aggressive neoplasm. Special histochemical stains, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy were required to characterize the neoplasm as an anaplastic fibrosarcoma. Findings in this horse illustrate the importance of considering neoplasia, resulting in bone lesions, as a possible cause of chronic lameness in horses.

Plasma endotoxin concentrations in clinically normal and potentially septic equine neonates.

Plasma endotoxin concentrations were measured at 1 to 2 and 5 to 6 days of age in clinically normal foals and in potentially septic neonatal foals admitted to North Carolina State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital for a variety of conditions. In 1 to 2 and 5 to 6 day old normal foals, median plasma endotoxin concentrations were 2.17 (range, 1.61-2.54; n = 6) and 2.89 (range, 2.61-3.50; n = 7) endotoxin units/mL (EU/mL), respectively. Median plasma endotoxin concentration in potentially septic foals with negative blood cultures or gram positive isolates (n = 8) was 2.73 (range, 0.59-4.04) EU/mL. In hospitalized foals with gram negative isolates (n = 6), median plasma endotoxin concentration was 78.06 (range, 0.76-2,696.41) EU/mL, but individual endotoxin values were only increased in foals that were extremely sick and died within hours of sampling. Plasma endotoxin concentrations were significantly greater in foals with sepsis scores > or = 11 compared with foals with sepsis scores < or = 10. Increased plasma endotoxin concentrations appear to predict an unfavorable outcome in septic foals, but normal endotoxin concentrations do not appear to have any predictive value.

Relation between pharmacokinetics of amikacin sulfate and sepsis score in clinically normal and hospitalized neonatal foals.

Pharmacokinetic values after IV administration of amikacin sulfate were determined for clinically normal and hospitalized foals during the first week of life. The relations between drug disposition and sepsis score and serum creatinine concentration also were studied. In clinically normal foals, differences in sepsis score, serum creatinine concentration, and pharmacokinetic variables of amikacin were not found between foals 1 to 3 and 4 to 7 days old. In hospitalized foals, sepsis score, serum creatinine concentration, area under the curve, area under the moment curve, and mean residence time were greater, and total clearance was decreased, compared with values in clinically normal foals. Sepsis score and serum creatinine concentration were inversely correlated to amikacin clearance and appeared to be useful indicators of altered drug disposition.

Skin pustules and nodules caused by Actinomyces viscosus in a horse.

A 12-year-old Arabian stallion was evaluated for a refractory skin problem of 2 years' duration. Skin nodules and pustules, which would rupture, had developed over the right lumbar muscles. Anaerobic culturing from the pustules yielded Actinomyces viscosus, and histologic examination of biopsy specimens revealed globular eosinophilic structures. Concomitant treatment with isoniazid (8 mg/kg of body weight, q 24 h for 8 weeks), trimethoprim-sulfadiazine (30 mg/kg, q 24 h for 8 weeks), and sodium iodide solution (66 mg/kg, every 1, 2, or 4 weeks, for 32 weeks) resolved the condition.

Hemodynamic and behavioral effects of angiotensin II in conscious sheep.

Intracerebroventricular (ivt) angiotensin II (ANG II) at 0.4, 2, 10, and 50 ng.kg-1.min-1 increased arterial pressure in conscious sheep in a dose-related manner (26 mmHg, P less than 0.05, at 50 ng.kg-1.min-1). Total peripheral resistance (TPR) and right atrial pressure also increased. Heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output did not change. Pressor responses to ivt ANG II were not caused by leakage of ANG II into the periphery, because plasma concentrations of ANG II did not change from control (31 +/- 7 pg/ml) at the highest dose of ANG II infused. In contrast, intravenous (iv) ANG II, 10 and 50 ng.kg-1.min-1, increased arterial pressure 29 and 47 mmHg, respectively (P less than 0.05), and decreased heart rate. ANG II, 10 ng.kg-1.min-1 iv, increased plasma ANG II levels from 36 +/- 6 to 354 +/- 69 pg/ml (P less than 0.05). Intracarotid (ic) ANG II, 10 ng.kg-1.min-1, increased arterial pressure 31 mmHg (P less than 0.05) but did not alter heart rate. ANG II ivt caused a dose-related drinking response, with a positive correlation between the amount of water drunk during ivt ANG II infusion and the increase in arterial pressure. Infusions of ANG II at 50 ng.kg-1.min-1 ivt were associated with decreased plasma osmolality and potassium concentration and increased plasma vasopressin concentration.

Comparison of intracerebroventricular and intracarotid infusions of PGE2 in conscious sheep.

Conscious sheep chronically prepared with nonocclusive indwelling vascular and cerebroventricular catheters were used to compare hemodynamic, hematologic, hormonal, and behavioral responses of intracarotid (ic) prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) to intracerebroventricular (ivt) PGE2. PGE2 had less potent hemodynamic effects when infused ivt than when infused ic. Intracarotid PGE2, 100 ng.kg-1.min-1, increased arterial pressure and heart rate 31 mmHg and 26 beats/min, respectively (P less than 0.01), whereas ivt PGE2, 300 ng.kg-1.min-1, did not alter heart rate and increased arterial pressure 9 mmHg (P less than 0.01). Both ic and ivt PGE2 increased packed cell volume 3% (P less than 0.01). Neither ic nor ivt PGE2 caused changes in plasma concentrations of epinephrine or norepinephrine. Despite ivt PGE2S less potent hemodynamic effects, ivt administration of PGE2 decreased plasma osmolality 2 mosmol/kg (P less than 0.05) and sodium concentration 2 meq/l (P less than 0.01) and increased plasma vasopressin concentration 2.5-fold (P less than 0.05). Intracerebroventricular PGE2 also caused some physical and behavioral changes that were not observed during ic PGE2 administration or during ivt infusion of vehicle. These changes included pupillary constriction, vocalization, and coughing. We conclude that PGE2 given ivt may not reach the same sites in the brain as does ic PGE2 or that ivt PGE2 may reach the same sites in different concentrations.

Central angiotensin II and PGE2 act independently to increase blood pressure in conscious sheep.

Conscious adult female sheep chronically prepared with nonocclusive indwelling vascular and cerebroventricular catheters were used to determine whether centrally administered prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) increases blood pressure by activation of the brain renin angiotensin system or whether centrally administered angiotensin II (ANG II) increases blood pressure by stimulating prostaglandin synthesis in the brain. Intracerebroventricular (ivt) ANG II, 50 ng X kg-1 X min-1, increased arterial pressure 23 mmHg (P less than 0.01) 30 min after the start of infusion. Infusion of the ANG II antagonist [Sar1-Thr8]ANG II (sarthran), 1,000 ng X kg-1 X min-1 ivt, had no effect on arterial pressure when given by itself but reduced the ivt ANG II-induced pressor response to 5 mmHg (P less than 0.05) when the two peptides were infused at the same time. Intracerebroventricular infusion of sarthran did not alter the pressor responses to intracarotid (ic) PGE2 or to ivt PGE2. Blood pressure increased 21 mmHg (P less than 0.01) 30 min after the start of PGE2 infusion when PGE2 was given ic by itself, compared with 17 mmHg (P less than 0.01) when PGE2 was given ic at the same time as sarthran was given ivt. Blood pressure increased 14 mmHg (P less than 0.01) 30 min after the start of PGE2 infusion when PGE2 was given ivt by itself, compared with 16 mmHg (P less than 0.01) when PGE2 was given ivt at the same time as sarthran was given ivt. Pretreatment with the cyclooxygenase inhibitors indomethacin, 4 mg/kg sc, or flunixin meglumine, 3 mg/kg iv, did not alter the ivt ANG II-induced pressor response.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Atriopeptin II lowers cardiac output in conscious sheep.

Atrial natriuretic peptides cause natriuresis, kaliuresis, diuresis, and hypotension. They relax vascular smooth muscle in vitro, and they dilate renal vessels in vivo. Hence, we tested the hypothesis that they produce hypotension by lowering total peripheral resistance. The studies were performed in conscious chronically instrumented sheep standing quietly in their cages. Atriopeptin II (AP II) was infused into the right atrium for 30 min at 0.1 nmol X kg-1 X min-1. Atriopeptin II lowers arterial pressure (9%, P less than 0.05) by lowering cardiac output (18%, P less than 0.05), stroke volume (28%, P less than 0.05), and right atrial pressure (2.3 mmHg, P less than 0.05). Heart rate and total peripheral resistance increase (16 and 13%, respectively, P less than 0.05). Partial ganglionic blockade with trimethaphan camsylate during AP II infusion prevents the increases in heart rate and total peripheral resistance. The changes in right atrial pressure, stroke volume, and cardiac output persist, and arterial pressure falls further (27%, P less than 0.05). These hemodynamic data are consistent with direct AP II-induced relaxation of venous smooth muscle with reduction of venous return, right atrial pressure, stroke volume, cardiac output, and arterial pressure, followed by reflex activation of the sympathetic nervous system to increase heart rate and total peripheral resistance. Because partial ganglionic blockade alone and AP II alone cause similar reductions in right atrial pressure (2.1 and 2.3 mmHg, respectively) but AP II causes a greater fall in stroke volume (28 vs. 13%), it is possible that AP II also causes coronary vasoconstriction.

Mechanism of tachycardia caused by intracarotid PGE2 in conscious ewes.

Conscious adult ewes prepared with nonocclusive indwelling vascular catheters were used to determine the mechanism by which heart rate increases during central administration of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Heart rate increased 14 bpm during steady-state intracarotid infusion of PGE2, 10 ng/kg/min (P less than 0.05). Intravenous atropine methyl bromide, 1 mg/kg, increased heart rate 26 bpm (P less than 0.05) 5 min after injection. Heart rate remained elevated 30 min after injection. The heart rate response to PGE2 plus atropine was greater than the heart rate response to either atropine or PGE2 alone (P less than 0.05). Propranolol, 1 mg/kg bolus plus intravenous infusion, 0.025 mg/kg/min, did not change resting heart rate. Propranolol attenuated but did not abolish the increase in heart rate caused by intracarotid PGE2. Although heart rate increased in response to PGE2 after administration of either propranolol or atropine alone, the combination of propranolol and atropine prevented any further increase in heart rate during subsequent PGE2 infusion. The increase in heart rate when all three drugs were given together was not different from the increase observed during atropine alone. Thus, both beta-adrenergic activation and muscarinic deactivation contribute to the PGE2-induced tachycardia.

Coronary vasoconstrictor effects of atriopeptin II.

Atrial natriuretic peptides lower arterial pressure, cardiac filling pressure, and cardiac output. In isolated, Langendorff-perfused guinea pig hearts, atriopeptin II, the 23-amino acid atrial natriuretic peptide, is also a potent coronary vasoconstrictor. The median effective dose for atriopeptin II in guinea pig hearts is 26 nanomoles, the threshold constrictor dose is 5 nanomoles, and flow nearly ceases at a dose of 100 nanomoles in perfused hearts at constant pressure. Similar concentrations of atriopeptin II also cause coronary vasoconstriction in rat and dog heart preparations. The disulfide bridge is necessary for vasoconstrictor activity; reduction of this bridge abolishes the activity, as it does the other biological activities of atrial natriuretic peptides.

PGE2 does not act at carotid sinus to raise arterial pressure in conscious sheep.

Conscious chronically instrumented adult female sheep were used to determine whether direct action of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on the carotid sinus baroreceptors contributes to the pressor response observed during infusion of PGE2 into the common carotid artery (CCA). During infusion of PGE2 into the CCA caudal to an intact carotid sinus, into the CCA caudal to a denervated carotid sinus, and into the external carotid artery, mean arterial pressure (MAP) rose 17, 22, and 17 mmHg, respectively (P less than 0.01). Heart rate (HR) rose 6, 6, and 8 beats/min, respectively (P less than 0.05). Cardiac output (CO) was also measured by indicator dilution using indocyanine green. In these experiments with infusion of PGE2 into the external carotid artery, MAP rose 15 mmHg (P less than 0.01), HR increased 6 beats/min (P less than 0.05), CO did not change, and total peripheral resistance (TPR) increased 23% (P less than 0.01). With infusion of PGE2 past a denervated carotid sinus, MAP rose 20 mmHg (P less than 0.01), HR rose 4 beats/min (P less than 0.05), CO did not change, and TPR increased 29% (P less than 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in MAP or HR responses when PGE2 was infused past an intact carotid sinus, past a denervated carotid sinus, or beyond the carotid sinus. There is no evidence that direct action of PGE2 on carotid sinus baroreceptors either augments or inhibits the observed pressor effect of intracarotid PGE2. Intracarotid PGE2 acts rostral to the carotid sinus to increase MAP, HR, and TPR in conscious sheep.

Cardiac and sinoaortic reflexes during aortic constriction in awake calves.

The hemodynamic responses to increased afterload of the left ventricle were studied in conscious calves before and during cooling of the cervical vagus nerves bilaterally. The calves were chronically instrumented to measure (or derive) heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, iliac, superior mesenteric and renal flows and resistances, mean aortic, right atrial, pulmonary artery, and left atrial pressures, the systemic and pulmonary pressure gradients, and total systemic and total pulmonary resistances. The calves were also instrumented to produce reversible partial constriction of the ascending aorta and for cooling of the cervical vagus nerves. The hemodynamic responses to increased afterload were characterized before and during bilateral cervical vagus nerve cooling to 6-7 degrees C. Aortic constriction causes stroke volume, cardiac output and aortic pulse pressure to decrease. Left atrial pressure and total peripheral resistance increase. Mean aortic pressure is constant during aortic constriction alone, despite a continued decrease in pulse pressure, due to a balance between sinoaortic reflexes which attempt to increase arterial pressure in response to the decreased pulse pressure and cardiopulmonary reflexes which attempt to decrease arterial pressure in response to the increased left atrial and cardiopulmonary pressures. Vagal cooling removes cardiopulmonary reflex modulation of the sinoaortic reflexes. During aortic constriction and vagal cooling, the carotid sinus reflex, acting alone, causes large increases in renal and total peripheral resistance and mean aortic pressure.

Hemodynamics of high afterload left heart failure for assist device testing.

The hemodynamic responses to increased afterload of the left ventricle were studied in conscious calves during exercise. The calves were chronically instrumented to measure (or derive) heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, iliac, superior mesenteric and renal flows and resistances, mean carotid, aortic, right atrial, pulmonary artery, and left atrial pressures, the systemic and pulmonary pressure gradients, and total systemic and total pulmonary resistances. The calves were also instrumented to produce reversible partial constriction of the ascending aorta and common carotid arteries and for cooling of the cervical vagus nerves. The hemodynamic responses to increased afterload were characterized during treadmill exercise at 2 mph. These responses were compared to the hemodynamic responses to bilateral carotid artery occlusion with and without vagal cooling.