ARTERIAL PRESSURE AND HEART PERIOD IN THE CONSCIOUS RABBIT: DIURNAL RHYTHM AND INFLUENCE OF ACTIVITY

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Abstract
Mean-arterial pressure (MAP), heart period (HP) and the level of physical activity were measured in conscious rabbits and averaged over one-hour periods during 14 consecutive days. Serial autocorrelation coefficients and serial crosscorrelation coefficients were computed, to analyse periodicity. Measurements were started immediately after implantation of the cannula (group A, n = 11) or 10-46 days after implantation of the cannula (group B, n = 6). In the course of 14 days, in group A, MAP decreased 9 mmHg and HP increased 21 ms (P less than 0.05). In group B, MAP decreased and HP increased in a similar way. Percentage activity did not show a trend. Significant diurnal rhythms were found. MAP and percentage activity reached the lowest values at noon, and the highest late in the evening. HP reached the highest values at noon and the lowest late in the evening. MAP and HP fluctuated exactly in antiphase. This suggests a common origin for both rhythms. During physical activity MAP was 10-15 mmHg higher and HP was 35-40 ms shorter than during rest. These differences did not show a trend or a diurnal variation. In individual animals MAP and HP varied greatly from hour to hour. These biological variations in MAP and HP as well as the influence of activity should be taken into account when conclusions are drawn from short-term measurements.