Cerebral artery resistance is directly related to sympathetic nerve activity in men [Abstract]

Cerebral arterial resistance may play a role in determining the level of sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) at rest. We hypothesised that resistance to blood flow in the internal carotid, vertebral and the basilar arteries (ICA, VA, BA) is directly related to the level of muscle SNA (MSNA). In 4 men aged 20–52 years, blood flow in the ICA, VA and BA was measured using MR phase contrast imaging at 2 locations (1 cm below the VA convergence and 1 cm above) with simultaneous brachial blood pressure measurements (automated cuff). MSNA was measured via peroneal microneurography. Resistance in each vessel was calculated as mean arterial pressure/blood flow. Resting MSNA (30–82 bursts/100 heart beats) was positively related to vascular resistance in the left and right ICA (r = 0.87, r = 0.75, P