[Response to mechanical stimulus and cardiovascular homeostasis.]

Response to mechanical stimulus, including blood pressure regulation as a typical example, is essential for cardiovascular homeostasis. Traditionally, mechanism of blood pressure regulation can be divided into two categories:short term neural regulation via arterial baroreceptor reflex and long term humoral regulation via renin-angiotensin system. Recent studies have revealed that sensitivity of baroreceptor reflex is impaired in metabolic syndrome and aging. Moreover, it is suggested that the baroreceptor reflex is involved in long term blood pressure regulation. This review introduces the mechanism of mechanotransduction in the baroreceptor reflex.