Differential effect of behavior on cardiac and vasomotor baroreflex responses.

Bilateral carotid occlusion was performed in seven baboons during dynamic leg exercise, static arm exercise, feeding, rest, and sleep. The baroreceptor reflex effects on blood pressure, heart rate and interval, renal blood flow, and terminal aortic blood flow were determined during each behavior. The carotid sinus baroreflex increase in blood pressure and heart rate was greatest during sleep and least during exercise. The hindlimb and renal vasomotor responses followed different patterns. The baroreceptor reflex sensitivity for renal vasoconstriction was greatest during rest and least during sleep. The reflex sensitivity in the hindlimb was unaltered by behavior. Thus behavior modifies baroreceptor reflex responses in the heart and peripheral circulation in different patterns.