Cerebral blood flow regulation and cognitive function: a role of arterial baroreflex function

Shigehiko Ogoh, Takashi Tarumi

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

A strict adequate perfusion pressure via arterial baroreflex for the delivery of oxygen to the tissues of the body is well established; however, the importance of baroreflex for cerebral blood flow (CBF) is unclear. On the other hand, there is convincing evidence for arterial baroreflex function playing an important role in maintaining brain homeostasis, e.g., cerebral metabolism, cerebral hemodynamics, and cognitive function. For example, mild cognitive impairment attenuates the sensitivity of baroreflex, and Alzheimer’s disease further decreases it. These clinical findings suggest that CBF and cerebral function are affected by systemic blood pressure regulation via the arterial baroreflex. However, dysfunction of arterial baroreflex is likely to affect CBF regulation as well as the underlying neuronal function, but identifying how this is achieved is arduous since neurological diseases affect systemic as well as cerebral circulation independently. Recent insights into the influence of blood pressure regulation via the arterial baroreflex on cerebral function and blood flow regulation may help elucidate this important question. This review summarizes some update findings regarding direct (autonomic regulation) and indirect (systemic blood pressure regulation) contributions of the arterial baroreflex to the maintenance of cerebral vasculature regulation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)813-823
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Physiological Sciences
Volume69
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2019

Keywords

  • Autonomic function
  • CBF regulation
  • Cardioplumonary baroreflex
  • Cerebral CO reactivity
  • Cerebral autoregulation
  • Systemic blood pressure regulation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology

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