Chemoreflex control of the cardiovascular system remains altered after recovery from low protein diet early in life.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the cardiovascular component of the arterial chemoreflex in rats recovered from low protein diet. Male Fischer rats were randomly divided into control and recovered (R-PR) groups after weaning. R-PR rats were fed with low protein diet for 35 days and recovered under normal protein diet for 70 days. Control rats received normal protein diet for 105 days. Arterial chemoreflexwas elicited by intravenous injection of KCN. Results showed that pressor response of the chemoreflex was increased in R-PR. Data suggest that protein restriction may alter cardiovascular response to chemical activation of the chemoreflex after recovery.