title: Dexmedetomidine and regulation of splenic sympathetic nerve discharge in aged F344 rats.
abstract: Sedatives influence the immune system and centrally-acting alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonists, including Dexmedetomidine (Dex), modulate sympathetic nerve discharge (SND). Because sedatives are used under medical conditions that include elderly patients, and because advancing age attenuates SND responsivity to various interventions, we tested the hypothesis that splenic sympathoinhibitory responses to Dex would be attenuated in aged compared with young Fischer 344 rats. Dex-mediated reductions in splenic SND were similar in aged and young baroreceptor-intact and -denervated rats, indicating that SND changes to Dex administration occur in an age-independent manner. These findings provide new information regarding interactions between alpha2-adrenergic agonists, advanced age, and SND regulation.
authors: Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States.
authors: R M
authors: RM
authors: McMurphy
authors: Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States.
authors: R J
authors: RJ
authors: Fels
authors: Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States. Electronic address: Kenny@vet.k-state.edu.
authors: M J
authors: MJ
authors: Kenney
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D020927:Dexmedetomidine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344; D013154:Spleen / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology / Q000294:innervation*; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D020927:Dexmedetomidine
keywords: Aging; Dexmedetomidine; F344 rats; Renal SND; Splenic SND