Transient influence of end-tidal carbon dioxide tension on the postural restraint in cerebral perfusion

Abstract

In the upright position, cerebral blood flow is reduced, maybe because arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure (Pa(CO(2))) decreases. We evaluated the time-dependent influence of a reduction in Pa(CO(2)), as indicated by the end-tidal Pco(2) tension (Pet(CO(2))), on cerebral perfusion during head-up tilt. Mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, middle cerebral artery mean flow velocity (MCA V(mean)), and dynamic cerebral autoregulation at supine rest and 70 degrees head-up tilt were determined during free breathing and with Pet(CO(2)) clamped to the supine level. The postural changes in central hemodynamic variables were equivalent, and the cerebrovascular autoregulatory capacity was not significantly affected by tilt or by clamping Pet(CO(2)). In the first minute of tilt, the decline in MCA V(mean) (10 +/- 4 vs. 3 +/- 4 cm/s; mean +/- SE; P < 0.05) and Pet(CO(2)) (6.8 +/- 4.3 vs. 1.7 +/- 1.6 Torr; P < 0.05) was larger during spontaneous breathing than during isocapnic tilt. However, after 2 min in the head-up position, the reduction in MCA V(mean) was similar (7 +/- 5 vs. 6 +/- 3 cm/s), although the spontaneous decline in Pet(CO(2)) was maintained (P < 0.05 vs. isocapnic tilt). These results suggest that the potential contribution of Pa(CO(2)) to the postural reduction in MCA V(mean) is transient, leaving the mechanisms for the sustained restrain in MCA V(mean) to be identified.