Baroreceptor dysfunction in acrylamide axonal neuropathy.

Clinical studies suggest that baroreceptor dysfunction may occur in peripheral neuropathies but this abnormality has never been observed directly or characterized. Carotid sinus nerve and depressor nerve activity was recorded in rabbits with a mild axonal neuropathy produced by acrylamide. Arterial pressure was changed by altering intravascular volume. The pattern of baroreceptor discharge in the affected animals was always different, there being a marked reduction of diastolic phase nerve activity at normal arterial pressures. In addition, nerve activity in both baroreceptor nerves was significantly reduced. The thresholds of aortic arch baroreceptors were elevated and aortic arch baroreceptor activity was less than carotid sinus baroreceptor activity at lower arterial pressures. In acrylamide axonal neuropathy, even when mild, there is baroreceptor dysfunction.