Basic autonomic nervous function in patients with neurocardiogenic syncope

Abstract

Basic autonomic nervous function was evaluated in patients with neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS). Atropine, isoproterenol, propranolol, phenylephrine, and phentolamine were administered successively, and parasympathetic nerve activity and beta- (and alpha-) activity, sensitivity, and secretion of the sympathetic nerve were determined in patients with NCS and control subjects. In patients with NCS, beta- and alpha- sensitivity were higher and beta-activity and beta- and alpha-secretion lower than in control subjects. In patients with NCS, the increased basic beta-sensitivity may contribute to induce strong cardiac contractions and augment ventricular mechanoreceptor response, and a compensatory state against diminished neuronal sympathetic activity is suggested by the increased alpha-sensitivity.