Effect of intra-aortic balloon pumping on renal sympathetic nerve activity

Although numerous studies have proved the beneficial effect of intra- aortic balloon pumping(IABP) on the left ventricle, little is known how IABP acts to autonomic nervous system. We hypothesized that IABP might inhibit the vasoconstrictor center via baroreflex by increasing carotid arterial pressure(CAP). We tested the hypothesis by directly measuring renal sympathetic nerve activity(RSNA). Electrodes for recording RSNA were implanted in eight anesthetized dogs. Heart rate, CAP, femoral arterial pressure(FAP), central venous pressure(CVP) and renal flow(RF) were measured with and without IABP support RSNA, FAP and renal vascular resistance(RVR) with IABP support significantly decreased than those without IABP, RF did not change with IABP support. IABP reduces RSNA and RVR, thereby improving peripheral and renal circulation.