From the Research
The sympathetic vasodilator system plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and cardiovascular function, particularly in skeletal muscle vasculature, through the release of acetylcholine and nitric oxide, as evidenced by recent studies 1, 2, 3. The sympathetic vasodilator system is a component of the autonomic nervous system that causes blood vessel dilation, primarily in skeletal muscle vasculature. This system operates through cholinergic sympathetic nerves that are distinct from the more common adrenergic sympathetic fibers which typically cause vasoconstriction. Some key points about the sympathetic vasodilator system include:
- It is activated during specific physiological states such as exercise, emotional stress, and thermoregulatory responses like blushing 1.
- It works by stimulating the release of nitric oxide from the endothelium, which relaxes vascular smooth muscle and increases blood flow to skeletal muscles 2.
- The system is regulated by higher brain centers, particularly the hypothalamus, which coordinates cardiovascular responses to various stimuli 3.
- Unlike the parasympathetic system, which causes vasodilation in specific organs, the sympathetic vasodilator system primarily targets skeletal muscle vasculature and is crucial for maintaining appropriate blood distribution during physical activity and stress responses. It is worth noting that the evidence from older studies 4, 5 is less relevant to the current understanding of the sympathetic vasodilator system, and the most recent and highest quality studies 1, 2, 3 provide a more comprehensive understanding of its function and regulation. Therefore, the sympathetic vasodilator system should be considered a key component of cardiovascular regulation, and its dysfunction may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease 2, 3.