Hemisphere asymmetry in sympathetic control of the human myocardium

Author(s): Block, A., Schweiger, E., Genzel, S.

Journal/Book: Brain Cognition. 1998; 38: 525 B St, Ste 1900, San Diego, CA 92101-4495. Academic Press Inc Jnl-Comp Subscriptions. 17-35.

Abstract: Hemisphere asymmetry in sympathetic control of myocardial performance was studied in healthy human subjects using lateralized film presentation for selective sensory stimulation of the hemispheres and impedance cardiography for the evaluation of cardiac output, systolic time intervals and myocardial contractility. Results revealed a clear and consistent right hemisphere predominance in sympathetically mediated control of various components of myocardial performance. There is reason to assume that the obtained hemisphere differences in autonomic control of the heart are self-reliant processes not depending on emotion-related hemisphere asymmetry. As far as we know, this is the first study examining the distinct roles of the cerebral hemispheres in neural control of ventricular myocardial functions.

Note: Article Wittling W, Catholic Univ Eichstaett, Dept Clin & Physiol Psychol, D-85071 Eichstatt, GERMANY

Keyword(s): NEUROENDOCRINE BRAIN ASYMMETRY; HEART-RATE RESPONSES; INSULAR CORTEX; IMPEDANCE CARDIOGRAPHY; UNILATERAL NEGLECT; NUCLEUS AMBIGUUS; RIGHT HAND; LATERALIZATION; CONSEQUENCES; ORGANIZATION

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