Blood pressure responses to feeding in infancy: spin-offs of serendipity.
This article summarizes results from a program of research that has focused on understanding the characteristics of, and factors that shape, acute cardiovascular responses to feeding in infants. The work developed from behavioral observations in rats suggesting a linkage between variations in maternal behavior and adult blood pressure. However, the hypothesis that specific types of interactions, in particular those associated with feeding, might alter cardiovascular function was greatly influenced by a serendipitous observation made by Myron Hofer several years earlier. Myron discovered that nutrient availability is a key regulator of cardiovascular function in newborn rats. Our spin-off studies established that, in newborn rats and human infants, ingestion of nutrient is associated with robust increases in heart rate and blood pressure.
Myers
Michael M
MM
New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Developmental Psychobiology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New, New York, USA. mmm3@columbia.edu
Shair
Harry N
HN
Cohen
Morris
M
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001143:Arousal / Q000502:physiology*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008425:Maternal Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D011918:Rats, Inbred SHR; D011921:Rats, Inbred WKY