Increased sensitivity of the baroreceptor reflex after bacterial endotoxin.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin that elicits the production of several cytokines, induces cardiovascular changes characterized by increased perfusion of immune organs and compensatory sympathetic vasoconstriction in other tissues. We therefore hypothesized that to adapt to altered blood flow distribution following LPS administration, changes in the sensitivity of reflexes that control blood pressure would occur. Our data show that the sensitivity of the baroreceptor reflex increases significantly two and three hours after the intravenous administration of a subpyrogenic dose of the endotoxin. This change in sensitivity that could occur at peripheral or central levels may underlie necessary adjustments of cardiovascular mechanisms during the course of certain immune responses.