ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the afferent and reflex responses of both cardiac and arterial baroreceptor activation. The difference between atrial receptor function in quadrupeds and bipeds may be a quantitative one rather than a qualitative one. Many more studies will have to be done to determine the role of cardiac receptors in fluid and electrolyte balance in humans under both normal and pathological conditions. Abnormalities in atrial receptor and/or atrial reflex function are likely to result in a release of the inhibitory influences of atrial receptor stimulation on all of the neurohumoral parameters. In animals and in humans with chronic heart failure sodium retention is a characteristic feature of this disease. A reduction in atrial receptor discharge sensitivity or in the central integration of the information coming from atrial stretch receptors will lead to attenuated decreases in vasopressin secretion, in sympathetic nerve activity and in renin release. Prostacyclin has been shown to stimulate and sensitize chemosensitive ventricular receptors.
