Fig. 3
The changes in heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and femoral blood flow and vascular conductance in response to electrical stimulations of the VTA and the SN are summarized in anesthetized cats and rats. Electrical stimulation of the VTA in cats (n = 8 cats) increased femoral blood flow and vascular conductance significantly (P < 0.05), while electrical stimulation of the VTA in rats (n = 4 rats) increased all of HR, MAP, and femoral blood flow and vascular conductance significantly (P < 0.05). In contrast to the VTA, electrical stimulation of the SN in the same cats and rats did not significantly (P > 0.05) increase any variables, except the HR in the rats. Asterisk indicates significant change from the baseline (P < 0.05). Dagger symbol indicates significant difference between the VTA and the SN (P < 0.05). NS not significantly different between the VTA and the SN (P > 0.05)