A simplified paired neck chamber for the demonstration of baroreflex blood pressure regulation.

Abstract

In this investigation a simplified variable-pressure paired neck chamber was developed as a practical alternative to traditional neck collar designs used to study the arterial baroreceptor reflex in humans. The purpose of this new design was to extend the use of the noninvasive neck chamber method of baroreceptor investigation to teachers of physiology. Performance tests indicate that these new chambers are capable of delineating the stimulus-response relationship for both the blood pressure baroreflex [sensitivity = 0.425 +/- 0.13 mmHg mean arterial pressure (MAP)/mmHg neck chamber pressure (NCP); range = 24.9 +/- 4.6 mmHg MAP] and the heart rate baroreflex (sensitivity 0.273 +/- 0.12 beats.min-1.mmHg NCP-1; range = 16.7 +/- 6.8 beats/min). This was achieved by applying localized positive and negative air pressures to the carotid sinuses throughout the range from +60 to -60 mmHg in steps of 20 mmHg. This simplified neck chamber method offers distinct methodological advantages over traditional neck collars, making it a valuable tool for demonstrating baroreflex regulation of the circulation.