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GRAPHICALLY ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF ARTERIAL LOADING ON THE CAROTID-CARDIAC BAROREFLEX.  ¹J.M. Wang, ²D. Ratliff, ²D. Doerr, and ³V.A. Convertino.  ¹Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, ²Biomedical Office, Kennedy Space Center, and ³U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX.

     We hypothesized that a training regimen of straining maneuvers (SM) would increase the isolated carotid-cardiac baroreflex response.  Measurements of heart rate and pressure exerted on the carotid artery were graphed to provide a sensitivity index.  Contrary to our hypothesis, SM had no effect on improving the carotid-cardiac baroreflex response. However, while the main objective was not fully reached, a range of effectiveness from SM training on baroreflex function could provide additional insight into developing a countermeasure. 

     (Supported by NASA Spaceflight and Life Sciences Training Program.)