title: Modulation of sympathetic nerve activity during posthandgrip muscle ischemia in humans.
abstract: To evaluate modulation of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) during posthandgrip muscle ischemia (PHGMI), subjects performed 2 min of isometric handgrip at 33% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) followed by 2 min of PHGMI produced by forearm vascular occlusion. The response to PHGMI was studied in the absence and again during the addition of contralateral rhythmic handgrip (RHG; 40 times/min) at 15% (n = 6) and 30% (n = 10) MVC during the second minute of the PHGMI. Additionally, to isolate the effect of central command, response to PHGMI was studied during attempted RHG after sensory nerve blockade (n = 5). RHG for 2 min at 15 and 30% MVC and attempted RHG for 2 min did not increase MSNA. Isometric handgrip elicited an 130 +/- 48% increase in MSNA (P < 0.05), which was maintained during PHGMI. RHG at 15 and 30% MVC elicited an attenuation of MSNA (-10 +/- 7% and -14 +/- 6%, respectively) when performed during the second minute of PHGMI (P < 0.05). In contrast, attempted RHG did not significantly affect MSNA during PHGMI. The findings demonstrate modulation of MSNA during activation of the muscle metaboreflex. The attenuation of metaboreceptor-mediated increases in MSNA appear to be the result of mechanosensitive muscle afferents and not central command.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Ray
authors.forename: N H
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: Secher
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Mark
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D008297:Male; D009132:Muscles / Q000098:blood supply*; D010507:Periodicity; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*