Cardiovascular reflexes relevant to veterinary anaesthesia

Cardiovascular reflexes can be defined as fast-acting, centrally-mediated feedback mechanisms between the cardiovascular system and the central nervous system. These reflexes help to maintain blood pressure within physiological limits by adjusting heart rate, cardiac contractility and systemic vascular resistance. Several cardiovascular reflexes have been identified in mammals, including the baroreceptor, the chemoreceptor, the Bainbridge and the Bezold-Jarisch reflexes. Under general anaesthesia, several factors can trigger or attenuate cardiovascular reflexes; therefore, it is important to understand their pathophysiological mechanisms. This article reviews the physiology of four of the main cardiovascular reflexes, focusing on their relevance to veterinary anaesthesia.