Changes in regional blood flow and cardiodynamics evoked by electrical stimulation of the fastigial nucleus in the cat and their similarity to orthostatic reflexes

1. Changes in regional blood flow and cardiodynamics were measured in anaesthetized paralysed cats during electrical stimulation of the rostral fastigial nucleus.2. Fastigial stimulation results in a graded, highly reproducible and stereotyped cardiovascular response characterized by (a) increased systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures without changes in central venous or occluded vein pressure, (b) decreased blood flow and increased vascular resistance in the axillary, renal, femoral and mesenteric arteries, increased flow without any change in vascular resistance in the common carotid artery, and increase in total peripheral resistance, (c) a small increase in heart rate and myocardial contractile force, decrease in calculated stroke volume, and no change in the cardiac output.3. Changes in regional arterial flow were abolished by transection of sympathetic nerves or blockade of alpha-adrenergic receptors by systemic administration of phentolamine.4. Changes in heart rate and myocardial contractility were abolished by stellate ganglionectomy or blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors by propranolol.5. No changes in pupillary diameter or retraction of the nictitating membrane were seen during fastigial stimulation with stimuli producing substantial changes in blood pressure.6. The fastigial pressor response represents a highly reproducible, stereotyped, graded, and differentiated pattern of activation of sympathetic preganglionic neurones.7. The pattern of cardiovascular effects of fastigial stimulation simulates the compensatory (orthostatic) reflex response to maintenance of an upright posture.8. Fastigial stimulation appears to excite the neural network subserving orthostatic reflexes.