| The current study examined cardiopulmonary baroreflex stimulation as a potential mechanism of decreased pain sensitivity in both young men and women at differing risk for hypertension. Risk for hypertension was defined by a positive parental history of hypertension and/or elevated resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels. Concurrent and retrospective subjective pain ratings were collected in response to both electrical and thermal stimulation of the forearm. A tilt table was used to elicit inhibition (head-up tilt) and stimulation (head-down tilt) of the cardiopulmonary baroreflex in a controlled manner. Cardiovascular activity was measured to provide a manipulation check.;Consist with the previous literature, findings of the current study revealed that individuals at risk for hypertension demonstrated higher electrical and thermal pain thresholds. However, cardiopulmonary baroreflex manipulation did not impact pain perception in the expected manner. Across all participants, concurrent numerical pain ratings increased in both of the tilt conditions, whereas retrospective pain ratings decreased over time. Except for a small subsample of females responding to thermal stimulation in the cardiopulmonary baroreflex inhibition (head-up tilt) condition, cardiopulmonary baroreflex effects were not enhanced in those at increased risk for hypertension.;Ultimately, findings of the current study did not support the notion that cardiopulmonary baroreceptor stimulation can dampen pain in people at risk for hypertension. However, continued investigation into the role of cardiopulmonary baroreceptors in pain seems warranted given that the findings in the literature to date have been both limited and mixed. |
