Neurohumoral mechanisms

    Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts
                                    Richard E. Klabunde, Ph.D.

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Topics:

Arrhythmias

Cardiac Valve Disease

Coronary Artery Disease

Edema

Heart Failure

Hypertension

Peripheral Artery Disease

Click here for information on Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts, published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (200 5)

Neurohumoral Mechanisms

The heart and vasculature are regulated, in part, by neural (autonomic) and humoral (circulating or hormonal) factors. Neural mechanisms primarily involve sympathetic adrenergic and parasympathetic cholinergic branches of the autonomic nervous system. In general, the sympathetic system stimulates the heart and constricts blood vessels resulting in a rise in arterial pressure. The parasympathetic system depresses cardiac function and dilates selected vascular bed. There are several very important humoral mechanisms including circulating catecholamines, the renin-angiotensin system, vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone), atrial natriuretic peptide, and endothelin. Each of these humoral systems directly or indirectly alter cardiac function, vascular function, and arterial pressure.

RK Revised 03/29/2007

DISCLAIMER: These materials are for educational purposes only, and are not a source of medical decision-making advice.