Derangement of Baroreflex-Mediated Arterial Pressure Regulation in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus (DM) develops neuropathy and angiopathy. This study aimed to quantify the effects of DM on baroreflex-mediated arterial pressure regulation. Methods: Type 1 DM was induced in rats by intraperitoneal streptozotocin. Four weeks later, baroreflex open-loop static characteristics were estimated in DM rats (blood glucose > 300 mg/dL) and normal control (NC) rats. Carotid sinus baroreceptor regions were isolated and carotid sinus pressure (CSP) was changed from 60 to 180 mmHg while sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and arterial pressure (AP) were measured. Results: In the neural arc characteristics (the relationship of SNA versus CSP), the percent minimum SNA was significantly higher in DM than in NC. In the peripheral arc characteristics (the relationship of AP versus SNA), the slope of the regression line was significantly lower in DM than in NC. Conclusion: Streptozotocin-induced DM shows significant derangement in both central neural regulation and peripheral cardiovascular regulation.