Activation of the Carotid Sinus Nerve After Acute Myocardial Infarction in a Cardiorenal Syndrome Type 1 Model in Sprague–Dawley Rats

AIM: To evaluate the effect of carotid sinus nerve stimulation (CSNS) in the progression of cardiorenal syndrome type 1 (CRS1), 3 days after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: Male rats were divided into four groups. CSNS was applied daily for 10 min over 3 days. Cardiac, renal, and inflammatory parameters characterized the CRS1 and the electroceutical effects of CSNS. RESULTS: CSNS reduced the ischemic zone compared to the AMI group not exposed to CSNS (32.7% ± 2.2% vs. 8.0% ± 1.8%). Heart rate (bpm) was increased in the AMI group, showing 440 ± 7.6 at 48 h and 428 ± 1.0 at 60 h post-AMI. Additionally, arterial pressure (mmHg) was increased in the AMI group at 48 h, as follows: mean: 98 ± 1.7, diastolic: 89 ± 2.1, and systolic: 122 ± 5.3. In contrast, the CSNS + AMI group showed significant reductions of these parameters: mean: 79 ± 2.0, diastolic, 66 ± 1.7, and systolic: 99 ± 2.7. Renal injury was confirmed by increased apoptosis in the AMI group. A significant increase in TNF-α was observed in both heart and kidneys (pg/mg of tissue) in the AMI group and reduced IL-6 and IL-1β levels in the CSNS + AMI group, indicating an attenuation of the inflammatory responses by CSNS. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates early cardiac and renal dysfunction in CRS1 following AMI, associated with elevated inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and renal apoptosis. Therefore, CSNS appears to be a promising electroceutical approach for CRS1. Besides, on the basis of previous studies from our laboratory, CSNS involves stimulation of the baroreflex, activating the parasympathetic and inhibiting the sympathetic nervous system.