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F Schena

Publications and source records attributed to F Schena.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Adaptations to endurance training in the healthy elderly: arm cranking versus leg cycling.

The effect in healthy elderly subjects of cycle ergometer or arm ergometer training on peak oxygen consumption (VO(2peak)) and ventilatory threshold (VT) was studied. The aim was to determine the benefit of each training modality on specific and cross exercise capacity. The cross-effect was also evaluated as an index of the central nature of the adaptive response to training. Twelve non-smoking healthy males (age: 67 +/- 5 year; body mass: 75 +/- 9 kg) were randomly divided in two age-matched groups of six, performing an arm cranking (ARM) or a cycloergometer (CYC) training (12-week, 30 min, 3 times/week), while a third group of 6 subjects (age: 73 +/- 4 year; body mass: 80 +/- 8 kg) performed no training (control, C). At baseline and following the intervention, subjects carried out an incremental test to exhaustion both on the ergometer on which they trained (specific test) and on the other ergometer (cross test). Respiratory variables were measured breath by breath and heart rate (HR) was recorded. Peak oxygen consumption (VO(2peak)), ventilation (VE(peak)), oxygen pulse (O2P(peak)) and heart rate (HR(peak)) were averaged over the last 10 s of exercise. Following training, while HR(peak) remained unchanged, significantly higher W(peak), VO(2peak), VE(peak) and O2P(peak) were obtained in both training groups, on both ergometers. The amplitude of the increase in W(peak), VO(2peak) and O2P(peak) was significantly higher for specific than for cross tests ( approximately 19% vs. approximately 8 % in CYC; approximately 22% vs. approximately 9% in ARM, P < 0.01) while the increase in same test condition was similar. No change was observed in the C group. The results indicate that aerobic training brought about with different muscle masses, produce similar improvements in maximal and submaximal exercise capacity. Roughly half of such improvements are specific to exercise mode, which suggests peripheral adaptations to training. The other half is non-specific since it influences also the alternative exercise modality, and is probably due to central adaptations.

Aged↗

Energy cost of swimming of elite long-distance swimmers.

The aim of this study was: (1) to assess the energy cost of swimming (C(s), kJ km(-1)) in a group of male (n = 5) and female (n = 5) elite swimmers specialised in long-distance competitions; (2) to evaluate the possible effect of a 2-km trial on the absolute value of C(s). C(s) was assessed during three consecutive 400-m trials covered in a 50-m pool at increasing speeds (v1, v2, v3). After these experiments the subjects swam a 2-km trial at the 10-km race speed (v2km) after which the three 400-m trials were repeated at the same speed as before (v5 = v1, v6 = v2, v7 = v3). C(s) was calculated by dividing the net oxygen uptake at steady state VO2ss by the corresponding average speed (v, m s(-1)). VO2ss was estimated by using back extrapolation technique from breath-to-breath VO2 recorded during the first 30 s of recovery after each test. C(s) increased (from 0.69 kJ m(-1) to 1.27 kJ m(-1)) as a function of v (from 1.29 m s(-1) to 1.50 m s(-1)), its values being comparable to those measured in elite short distance swimmers at similar speeds. In both groups of subjects the speed maintained during the 2-km trial (v2km) was on the average only 1.2% faster than of v2 and v6 (P>0.05), whereas C(s) assessed at the end of the 2-km trial (v2km) turned out to be 21 +/- 26% larger than that assessed at v2 and v6 (P<0.05); the average stroke frequency (SF, cycles min(-1)) during the 2-km trial turned to be about 6% (P<0.05) faster than that assessed at v2 and v6. At v5, C(s) turned out to be 19 +/- 9% (P<0.05) and 22 +/- 27% (0.1 < P = 0.05) larger than at v1 in male and female subjects (respectively). SF was significantly faster (P<0.05, in male subjects) and the distance per stroke (Ds = v/SF) significantly shorter (P<0.05) in female subjects at v5 and v6 than at v1 and v2. These data suggest that the increase of C(s) found after the 2-km trial was likely related to a decrease in propelling efficiency, since the latter is related to the distance per stroke.

Adult↗

Characterization of arm-gun movement during air pistol aiming phase.

AIM: Air pistol shooting is a sport requiring extreme movement precision. The purpose of our study is to collect and analyze kinematic data of arm/gun complex during the pointing phase in order to characterize movement and between segment coordination by means of time and frequency domain analysis techniques. METHODS: Thirteen air pistol athletes participated to the recording sessions held at the 10 m shooting range. Kinematic data of neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist and gun were collected during the aiming phase using an optoelectronic motion capture system. Displacement series were split up in slow drift and tremor components. Amplitude of the movement of each segment and strength of the relationship between adjacent segments were estimated in time domain respectively by means of standard deviation and coefficient of regression. Moreover, coherence and phase spectral functions were calculated to assess between-segment coupling at different frequencies. RESULTS: Significantly larger movements were seen for slow drift component with respect to tremor one for all segments especially for lateral movements. Higher between segment correlation were found for lateral direction and for slow drift component. The coherence calculated on vertical series of tremor component showed significant coupling at 1.5 Hz and 5-7 Hz with phase opposition between wrist and gun motion at 5-7 Hz. CONCLUSIONS: Slow drift motion appears to affect mainly lateral movements and all the segments were equally involved indicating a probable origin in postural body sway. Vertical displacements could be referred to shoulder and wrist motion with features typical of physiological tremor. Quantitative characterization of segments displacements during aiming phase may serve as a basis for scientific evaluation and training in competitive precision shooting.

Adolescent↗

Replication pattern of the pericentromeric region of chromosome 10q and expression of the RET protooncogene.

Regulation of the RET gene is highly specific during embryo development and is strictly tissue-specific. Control of transcription depends on mechanisms influenced by epigenetic processes, in particular, histone acetylation at regions flanking the 5' end of the gene. Since the RET gene is mapped in the pericentromeric region of the human chromosome 10, the implication of epigenetic processes is even more striking and worth to be investigated in an extended chromosomal tract. One experimental approach to study the chromatin status in relationship with gene transcription is to assess the replication timing, which we did by using fluorescent in situ hybridization in cells expressing or not expressing the RET gene. By using probes spanning a 700-kb genomic region from the RET locus toward the centromere, we found a relationship between RET expression and early replication. Different patterns were observed between cells naturally expressing RET and cells induced to expression of RET by treatment with sodium butyrate, an inhibitor of histone deacetylases. Three-dimensional analysis of the nuclear localization of fluorescent signals by confocal microscopy showed difference of localization between the RET probe and a probe for a housekeeping gene, G3PDH, located at 12p13.3, in cells that do not express RET, in accordance with previous data for other genes and chromosomal regions. However, RET-expressing cells showed a localization of signals which was not consistent with that expected for expressed genes.

Butyrates↗

Physical activity monitoring in Europe. The European Physical Activity Surveillance System (EUPASS) approach and indicator testing.

OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this paper is to describe the approach and specific findings of the European Physical Activity Surveillance System (EUPASS) research project. In particular, the analysis presented aims at testing the reliability, comparability and predictive power of different sets of physical activity (PA) indicators. DESIGN: First, a panel study based on computer-aided telephone interview (CATI) was designed to report PA data of a representative, selected group of about 100 persons per country at three points in time. Second, a CATI time series survey was carried out with the goal of realising about 100 interviews per month over six consecutive months. SETTING: The project was carried out in eight European countries to support the development of the European Union's (EU) Health Monitoring Programme. SUBJECTS: Random population samples (subjects aged 18 years and older) were drawn from each participating country. RESULTS: While many PA indicators used in EU countries to date as well as the psychosocial and environmental measures tested in the present study had acceptable to good reliability coefficients, the test-retest reliability scores of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) version tested (the short (last 7 days) telephone interview IPAQ; IPAQ-S7T) were rather low. The comparability between extant national PA items and the IPAQ-S7T was low for all countries. The strongest predictors of perceived health were the psychosocial and environmental PA indicators. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the present study, more research is needed to further investigate and improve the quality of the IPAQ. In addition, the specific predictive power of the tested psychosocial and environmental PA indicators on perceived health should be of particular interest for designing health surveillance activities in the future.

Adolescent↗

Using different physical activity measurements in eight European countries. Results of the European Physical Activity Surveillance System (EUPASS) time series survey.

OBJECTIVES: The European Physical Activity Surveillance System (EUPASS) research project compared several physical activity (PA) measures (including the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)) in a time series survey in eight countries of the European Union. The present paper describes first results provided by the different instruments regarding PA participation, frequency and duration, both at the European and national levels. The purpose of the present study is to explore and compare the specific quality and usefulness of different indicators rather than to provide valid and reliable prevalence data. Thus, the main focus is on discussion of the methodological implications of the results presented. METHODS: A time series survey based on computer-aided telephone interviewing (CATI) was carried out in eight European countries over a six-month period. The study provided for about 100 realised interviews per month in each country (i.e. approximately 600 per country). Descriptive statistical analysis was used to: (1) report IPAQ results on vigorous, moderate and light PA and sitting, as well as on the overall measure of calories expenditure (MET min-1), in the different countries; (2) compare these results with national PA indicators tested in EUPASS; and (3) compare IPAQ results with other European studies. RESULTS: First, the scores for the different PA categories as well as for the overall measure of calories expenditure provided by the IPAQ appeared rather high compared with previous studies and public health recommendations. Second, the different PA measurements used in EUPASS provided completely different results. For example, national indicators used in Germany and The Netherlands to date neither corresponded in absolute values (e.g. means of PA or sitting) nor correlated with the IPAQ in any significant way. Third, comparing EU countries, the ranking for vigorous, moderate and light activities by use of the IPAQ differed from that of other European studies. For example, in the present analysis, German respondents generally showed higher scores for PA than the Finns and the Dutch, while, in contrast, findings from other studies ranked Finland before The Netherlands and Germany. CONCLUSIONS: The present analysis highlights some methodological implications of the IPAQ instrument. Among other things, differences in overall scores for PA as well as in the ranking of nations between the present results using IPAQ and other measures and studies may partly be due to the concepts of PA behind the measurements. Further analysis should investigate if the range of PA-related categories provided by the IPAQ is fully appropriate to measure all relevant daily activities; it may also consider the public health implications of mixing up different contexts of PA (e.g. work, leisure-time, transportation) in the IPAQ short version.

Adult↗

Species identification and confirmation of human and animal cell lines: a PCR-based method.

Misidentification and cross-contamination of cell lines are major problems of cell cultures that can make scientific results and their reproducibility unreliable. This paper describes a PCR-based method for easily identifying or confirming the species of origin of cell lines by using a panel of oligonucleotides specific for the nine animal species most common in cell culture laboratories. A panel of 35 human and animal cell lines, whose species of origin were previously confirmed by isoenzyme assay, was studied with nine species-specific primer pairs that specifically anneal to DNA sequences codifying for human, cat, dog, mouse, rat, horse, rabbit, African Green monkey cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox I), and one primer pair specific for the cytochrome b gene of Chinese hamster. The amplified fragments were analyzed by electrophoresis in ethidium bromide-stained 2% agarose gels. The method is simple, rapid, highly sensitive, and useful for routinely monitoring the species identity of cell cultures.

Animals↗

Plasma nitrite/nitrate and erythropoietin levels in cross-country skiers during altitude training.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of training at altitude on plasma nitrite/nitrate and erythropoietin levels since previously it has been reported an interaction of the NO/cGMP system in erythropoietin production. METHODS: Nine physically trained cross-country male skiers, usually living at 800-1200 m altitude, underwent 6 days of intensive training at a moderate altitude of 3100 m preceeded by 2 days of acclimatisation. Six team-managers, selected as controls, did not undergo any regular physical activity in the last 5 years and during the altitude period. Haematological parameters, erythropoietin and nitrite/nitrate were measured prior to reach the place at altitude, at the end of the period at moderate altitude and 7 days after returning at home. RESULTS: Haematocrit significantly increased in controls after 8 days at altitude. Erythropoietin levels significantly increased after the intensive altitude training only in trained subjects (13.1+/-1.7 vs 6.7+/-1.7 mU x ml-1, p<0.001). Nitrite/nitrate baseline values were significantly higher in trained subjects compared to untrained (49.9+/-17.9 vs 25.4+/-2.8 micromol x l(-1), p<0.01); the altitude period significantly increased nitrite/nitrate levels, in untrained subjects, to the same values observed in trained subjects under control conditions (47.0+/-10.3 micromol x l(-1)). CONCLUSIONS: In our experimental conditions we demonstrated the influence of hypoxia on Epo levels in athletes sustaining a short-term training and the role of a regular physical activity (partly independent from altitude hypoxia) on NO production.

Adult↗

Post-exercise recovery of autonomic cardiovascular control: a study by spectrum and cross-spectrum analysis in humans.

The recovery of the baseline autonomic control of cardiovascular activity after exercise has not been extensively studied. In 12 healthy subjects, we assessed the time-course of recovery by autoregressive spectrum and cross-spectrum analysis of heart period and systolic blood pressure during the 3 h after the end of 20 min of steady-state exercise at 50% (light workload, LW) and 80% (moderate workload, MW) of the individual's anaerobic threshold. The electrocardiogram and non-invasive blood pressure were simultaneously recorded during 10 min periods in the sitting position, at rest before exercise, and at 15, 60 and 180 min of recovery after exercise. At 15 min we observed a persistent tachycardia and relative hypotension; after MW, at 60 min heart rate was still slightly higher. Spectrum and cross-spectrum analysis showed, at 15 min, an increase in the low frequency component of systolic blood pressure, a reduction in the high frequency component of heart rate (larger in MW), and a decrease in baroreceptor sensitivity. After 60 and 180 min none of these parameters was significantly different from those at rest, although, in MW, some subjects still displayed signs of sympathetic activation after 1 h. We concluded that, after 15 min of recovery, the cardiovascular reflexes were blunted, that sympathetic nerve activity was still enhanced, and that the tone in the vagus had not fully recovered. Only the persistent vagal restraint seemed to be exercise intensity-dependent. For complete restoration of autonomic control after LW 1 h of rest was sufficient, and just enough after MW.

Adult↗

Influence of an acute exercise on neutrophil and platelet adhesion, nitric oxide plasma metabolites in inactive and active subjects.

In this work we studied the influence of an acute exercise either on nitrite/nitrate plasma levels or on neutrophil and platelet adhesion in inactive and active subjects. Twelve healthy subjects (6 inactives and 6 actives) exercised on a racing cycle ergometer performing stepwise increases in intensity until reaching, within 5 min, a heart rate of 150 beats x min(-1) which represents an oxygen consumption of about 75 % of the individual maximum rate of oxygen uptake. From peripheral venous blood samples (drawn from all subjects before, immediately after the end of exercise, and 1 hour later) neutrophils and platelets were isolated to test plate adhesion, and nitrite/nitrate concentrations were measured in the plasma. Immediately after the acute exercise, in active subjects we observed a significant decrease in the percentage of neutrophil adhesion (7.96+/-2.38 vs. 14.10+/-3.14), associated with an increase in nitrite/nitrate plasma levels (81.38+/-10.76 vs. 41.08+/-8.13 micromol x l(-1)), restored by a 40 min pre-incubation with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). In unstimulated platelets we observed a significant lower percentage of platelet adhesion in active subjects compared to inactives after exercise. With thrombin or adenosine 5'-diphosphate as agonists platelet adhesion did not result significantly different in active subjects compared to inactives. In conclusion, our data show that physical exercise can induce changes in some cell activities, even if transient, and favour the generation of nitric oxide. The lower adhesion of neutrophils and platelets induced by regular exercise could be an important goal in the prevention of vascular and inflammatory diseases.

Adult↗

Predictors of tilting test negativization during beta-blocker treatment in patients with neurocardiogenic syncope.

BACKGROUND: The cardioinhibitory and/or vasodepressor reflex, always preceded by adrenergic activation, has recently been accepted as the main mechanism of neuromediated syncope. The aim of this study was to verify if efficacy of beta-blockers, in the treatment of neuromediated syncope, may be predicted on the basis of clinical variables and data derived from tilting test. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 23 patients with recurrent or traumatic unexplained syncopal episodes, with a positive tilting test, who repeated the test during beta-blocker therapy. According to the second tilting test results, patients were divided into Group 1 (19 patients) with a positive second test, and Group 2 (4 patients) with a negative second test. RESULTS: No difference was found between the two groups in age, gender, number of syncopal episodes before observation, and period (days) between the two tests. Moreover, there was no difference between the two groups in the kind of positive response to tilting test, in heart rate at tilting (minimum, maximum, delta and slope of increase), and in the minimum, maximum and slope of heart rate increase before syncope. Delta heart rate before syncope was 15 b/min in Group 1, and 28 b/min in Group 2 (p = 0.011). Taking a discriminant value of 20 b/min, 100% sensitivity and 68% specificity were found. CONCLUSIONS: Heart rate increase before syncope identifies patients with negativization of tilting test on beta-blocker therapy. However, the clinical value of the second test for driving therapy is controversial.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Energetics of best performances in track cycling.

VO2max and best performance times (BPTs) obtained during maximal voluntary trials over 1, 2, 5, and 10 km from a stationary start were assessed in 10 elite cyclists. Steady-state VO2 and peak blood lactate concentration ([La]b) were also determined in the same subjects pedaling on a track at constant submaximal speeds. The energy cost of cycling (Cc, J.m-1) was calculated as the ratio of VO2, corrected for glycolytic energy production and expressed in W, to v (m.s-1). Individual relationships between Cc and v were described by: Cc = Ccrr + k1 v2 where Ccrr is the energy spent against friction and k1 v2 is that spent against drag. Overall energy cost of cycling (Cctot) was obtained, adding to Cc the energy spent to accelerate the total moving mass from a stationary start. Individual theoretical BPTs were then calculated and compared with the actual ones as follows. The maximal metabolic power sustained at a constant level by a given subject (Emax, W) is a known function of the exhaustion time (te). It depends on his VO2max and maximal anaerobic capacity; it was obtained from individual VO2max and [La]b values. The metabolic power (Ec, W) necessary to cover any given distance (d) is a known function of the performance time over d (td); it is given by Ec = Cctot v = Cctot d td. For all subjects and distances, the t values solving the equalities Emax F(te) = Ec F(td) were calculated and assumed to yield theoretical BPTs. Calculations showed a fairly good agreement between actual and calculated BPTs with an average ratio of 1.035 +/- 0.058.

Adolescent↗

Does low-frequency variability of heart period reflect a specific parasympathetic mechanism?

Low frequency (LF, approximately 0.1 Hz) spontaneous oscillations of heart period in humans have been attributed to and correlated with the sympathetic efferent control of the heart. However, this interpretation is controversial, because sympathetic blockade does not suppress these oscillations, while parasympathetic blockade strongly affects them. The sympathetic origin of LF of arterial pressure, on the contrary, has been convincingly demonstrated. Four 10 min cycle-by-cycle time series of R-R interval (RR), and systolic (SAP) and diastolic (DAP) arterial pressure were produced by automatic analysis of data obtained with non-invasive methods in 10 healthy humans during supine rest and while standing, both before and after beta 1-selective blockade (atenolol). Time series were analysed by autoregressive transfer function analysis. beta-blockade failed to induce systematic changes on the power of the LF peak of RR, in any condition. The coherence between RR and SAP in the same region remained high (0.77 +/- 0.03) and a constantly negative phase (approximately 50-60 degrees, corresponding to a delay of 1-2 heart beats of RR on SAP) was always seen. beta-blockade decreased the power of the LF peak of SAP, increased the transfer function gain between SAP and RR at LF, and the HF power of RR. We conclude that LF oscillations of RR are not directly generated by the sympathetic drive to the heart but reflect mainly the parasympathetic activity. The results suggest that the LF oscillations of the vagal outflow, and of RR, are generated by the baroreceptor reflex, driven by sympathetically-induced blood pressure LF waves.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Effects of endurance training on oxidative capacity and structural composition of human arm and leg muscles.

Six healthy subjects performed endurance training of the same duration with legs and arms consecutively. Performance and muscle structure were measured before and after training in lower and upper limbs. Training induced similar increases in maximal oxygen consumption (6 +/- 1 vs. 7 +/- 2 mL min-1 kg-1: legs vs. arms, P > 0.05) and mitochondrial volume in leg and arm muscles (42 +/- 12 vs. 31 +/- 11%: legs vs. arms, P > 0.05). The gain in mitochondrial volume after training was achieved solely by increasing the fraction of mitochondria (+40 +/- 11%, P < 0.05) in the same muscle volume (+2 +/- 2%, P > 0.05) in the legs. In contrast, increased muscle volume (+14 +/- 3%, P < 0.05), in addition to a tendency for an increase in mitochondrial fraction (+16 +/- 11%, P > 0.05), occurred in the arms after training. Thus, similar improvements in muscle oxidative capacity in upper and lower limbs were brought about by different mechanisms. It is suggested that due to infrequent use and a lack of load-bearing function, arm muscle volume is underdeveloped in untrained, sedentary or detrained/injured subjects and that the mode of endurance training used in this study is sufficient to enlarge arm muscle volume as well as aerobic capacity.

Adult↗

Arterial baroreceptors are not essential for low frequency oscillation of arterial pressure.

Cardiovascular parameters exhibit spontaneous oscillations at the respiratory frequency, and in the low frequency range (LF < 0.20 Hz). Although LF is attributed to the sympathetic control, the mechanism responsible for the oscillation, whether instability of the baroreflex loop, or activity of a central nervous system pattern generator, is controversial. To answer this question, time series of arterial blood pressure, heart period and left external iliac blood flow from chloralose-anaesthetised dogs were examined by standard statistics as well as by autoregressive spectral and cross-spectral analysis. The circulation to the left hind-limb was isolated and connected to a constant-pressure perfusing system, to obtain mechanical uncoupling from the central circulation. Three steady-state conditions were studied. A device inserted into the common carotid arteries allowed the carotid sinus region to be in continuity with the animal's arterial system (CONTROL) or perfused at constant pressure by an external source (CAROTID BUFFER); bilateral cervical vagotomy was also performed (VAGI CUT). Intra-individual (beat-to-beat) variability of each parameter was evaluated by standard deviation (SD) of time series in the three conditions. The average SD of heart period was reduced in CAROTID BUFFER and in VAGI CUT; the SDs of arterial pressure and iliac flow were not changed by these interventions. Autospectra of iliac flow time series in CONTROL showed a prominent peak at 0.05 +/- 0.04 Hz (mean +/- SD of all experiments), accounting for 90 +/- 11% of the total variance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

The role of pulmonary CO2 flow in the control of the phase I ventilatory response to exercise in humans.

To gain an insight into the origin of the phase I ventilatory response to exercise (ph I) in humans, pulmonary ventilation (VE) and end-tidal partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide (PETO2 and PETCO2, respectively) were measured breath-by-breath in six male subjects during constant-intensity exercise on the cycle ergometer at 50, 100 and 150 W, with eupnoeic normocapnia (N) or hyperpnoeic hypocapnia (H) established prior to the exercise test. Cardiac output (Qc) was also determined beat-by-beat by impedance cardiography on eight subjects during moderate exercise (50 W), and the CO2 flow to the lungs (Qc.Cv-CO2 where Cv-CO2 is concentration of CO2 in mixed veneous blood) was estimated with a time resolution of one breathing cycle. In N, the initial abrupt increase of VE during ph I (delta VE approximately 18 1.min-1 above rest) was followed by a transient fall. When PETCO2 started to increase (and PETO2 decreased) VE increased again (phase II ventilatory response, ph II). In H, during ph I delta VE was similar to that of N. By contrast, during ph II delta VE kept gradually decreasing and started to increase only when PETCO2 had returned to approximately 40 mmHg (5.3 kPa). Thus, as a result of the prevailing initial conditions (N or H) a temporal shift of the time-course of VE during ph II became apparent. No correlation was found between CO2 flow to the lungs and VE during ph I. These results are interpreted as suggesting that an increased CO2 flow to the lungs does not constitute an important factor for the initial hyperventilatory response to exercise. They are rather compatible with a neural origin of ph I, and would support the "neurohumoral" theory of ventilatory control during exercise.

Adult↗

Vascular resistance and arterial pressure low-frequency oscillations in the anesthetized dog.

The spontaneous variability of heart rate and arterial blood pressure was investigated in chloralose-anesthetized dogs with the left iliac vascular bed mechanically uncoupled from the central circulation. Electrocardiogram, mean arterial pressure (ABP), iliac perfusion and venous pressures, and flow (FLOW) were recorded for 5 min in steady state. Autoregressive spectral and cross-spectral analyses and digital filtering were performed. The variation coefficient (VC%), calculated from the overall variance of each signal, was 5-7%, with the exception of perfusion pressure (VC% = 1%). The frequency-related percentage of total variance was distributed among three frequency bands: two were < 0.20 Hz [lower (F1) and higher (F2; low-frequency range = F1 + F2)], and one was > 0.20 Hz (respiratory, F3). F3 was not always present in RR, which, however, oscillated also in F1 and F2, although with limited amplitude; ABP showed large respiratory and low-frequency oscillations; the FLOW oscillations were in the low-frequency range. Cross-spectral analysis showed high squared coherence in the relevant frequency bands between variables in the three couples: RR-ABP, RR-FLOW, and ABP-FLOW. Changes in RR preceded changes in ABP and in FLOW by > or = 3 s, whereas FLOW was approximately in phase opposition to ABP. It was concluded that, in the chloralose-anesthetized dog, 1) arterial pressure and heart rate oscillate with frequencies corresponding to those described in conscious humans, 2) low-frequency arterial pressure oscillations are due to changes in peripheral vascular resistance, and 3) peripheral vascular resistance does not display respiratory oscillations. Furthermore it was suggested that oscillations of vasomotor tone are generated by a rhythm of central origin and that F1 and F2 oscillations may recognize a common mechanism.

Analysis of Variance↗