Journal List > J Korean Acad Nurs > v.41(2) > 1002698

Park and Kim: Estrogen Attenuates the Pressor Response Mediated by the Group III Mechanoreflex

Abstract

Purpose

We investigated the effects of group III mechanoreceptors to cardiovascular responses in both pre-menopausal woman and post-menopausal woman during passive ankle dorsiflexion (PAD).

Methods

Twenty healthy volunteers (10 post-menopausal women and 10 pre-menopausal women) were recruited for this study. Stroke volume (SV), heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO), and total vascular conductances (TVC) were measured continuously throughout the experiment. To stimulate the group III mechanoreceptors, PAD was performed for one minute.

Results

The results showed that mean arterial pressure (MAP) mediated by the mechanoreflex activation was significantly increased in both groups. However, this pressor response was significantly higher in post-menopausal women. This reflex significantly increased both SV and CO in pre-menopausal women, while there were no differences in post-menopausal women. There was no difference in HR in either group. The mechanoreflex significantly decreased TVC in post-menopausal woman, while there was no difference in pre-menopausal woman.

Conclusion

The results indicate that the excessive pressor response mediated by the mechanoreflex occurs due to overactivity of group III mechanorecptors and the mechanism is produced mainly via peripheral vasoconstriction in post-menopausal women.

Figures and Tables

Figure 1
Experimental foot ankle dorsiflexion
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Figure 2
Cardiovascular responses mediated by the mechanorefelx during foot ankle dorsiflexion.
Values are mean±standard error. PMW=Premenopausal woman; PTW=Postmenopausal woman; Black Bar: baseline; Gray Bar: mechanoreflex activation. *Significantly different from baseline value, p<.05; #Significantly different from PMW, p<.05; MAP=mean arterial pressure; HR=heart rate; SV=stroke volume; CO cardiac output; TVC=total vascular conductances.
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Table 1
Physical Characteristics of Participants
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Values are mean±standard error.

*p<.05 vs. PMW.

PMW=premenopausal woman; PTW=postmenopausal woman; SBP=systolic blood pressure; DBP=diastolic blood pressure.

Notes

This study is a thesis of master of science.

Notes

This work was supported by a grant from Kyung Hee University in 2006 (KHU-20061278).

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