There are known sex differences in blood pressure regulation. The differences are related to ovarian hormones that influence β-adrenergic receptors and the transduction of muscle sympathetic nerve activity. Oral contraceptives (OC) modulate the ovarian hormonal profile in women and therefore may alter the cardiovascular response. We questioned if OC would alter the absolute pressor response to static exercise and influence the day-to-day variability of the response. Healthy men (n = 11) and women (n = 19) completed a familiarization day and 2 experimental testing days. Women were divided into those taking (W-OC, n = 10) and not taking (W-NC, n = 9) OC. Each experimental testing day involved isometric handgripping exercise, at 30% of maximal force, followed by circulatory occlusion to isolate the metaboreflex. Experimental days in men were 7-14 days apart. The first experimental testing in W-OC occurred 2-7 days after the start of the active phase of their OC. Women not taking OC were tested during the early and late follicular phase of the menstrual cycle as determined by commercial ovulation monitor. The increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) during exercise was significantly lower in W-NC (95 ± 4 mm Hg) compared with men (114 ± 4 mm Hg) and W-OC (111 ± 3 mm Hg) (P < 0.05), with the differences preserved during circulatory occlusion. The rise in MAP was significantly correlated between the 2 testing days in men (r = 0.72, P < 0.01) and W-OC (r = 0.77, P < 0.05), but not in W-NC (r = 0.17, P = 0.67), indicating greater day-to-day variation in W-NC. In conclusion, OC modulate the exercise pressor response in women and minimize day-to-day variability in the exercise metaboreflex.

RationaleIt is unclear whether the frequency and mechanisms of expiratory flow limitation (EFL) during exercise differ between males and females.PurposeThis study aimed to determine which factors predispose individuals to EFL during exercise and whether these factors differ based on sex. We hypothesized that i) EFL frequency would be similar in males and females and ii) in females, EFL would be associated with indices of low ventilatory capacity, whereas in males, EFL would be associated with indices of high ventilatory demand.MethodsData from n = 126 healthy adults (20–45 y, n = 60 males, n = 66 females) with a wide range of cardiorespiratory fitness (81%–182% predicted maximal oxygen uptake) were included in the study. Participants performed spirometry and an incremental cycle exercise test to exhaustion. Standard cardiorespiratory variables were assessed throughout exercise. The tidal flow–volume overlap method was used to assess EFL based on a minimum threshold of 5% overlap between the tidal and the maximum expiratory flow–volume curves. Predictors of EFL during exercise were determined via multiple logistical regression using anthropometric, pulmonary function, and peak exercise data.ResultsDuring exercise, EFL occurred in 49% of participants and was similar between the sexes (females = 45%, males = 53%; P = 0.48). In males, low forced expired flow between 25% and 75% of forced vital capacity and high slope ratio as well as low end-expiratory lung volume, high breathing frequency, and high relative tidal volume at peak exercise were associated with EFL (P < 0.001; Nagelkerke R2 = 0.73). In females, high slope ratio, high breathing frequency, and tidal volume at peak exercise were associated with EFL (P < 0.001; Nagelkerke R2 = 0.61).ConclusionsDespite sex differences in respiratory system morphology, the frequency and the predictors of EFL during exercise do not substantially differ between the sexes.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a lung injury characterized by noncardiogenic pulmonary edema and hypoxic respiratory failure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of therapeutic hypothermia on short‐term experimental ARDS. Twenty adult female Yorkshire pigs were divided into four groups (n = 5 each): normothermic control (C), normothermic injured (I), hypothermic control (HC), and hypothermic injured (HI). Acute respiratory distress syndrome was induced experimentally via intrapulmonary injection of oleic acid. Target core temperature was achieved in the HI group within 1 h of injury induction. Cardiorespiratory, histologic, cytokine, and metabolomic data were collected on all animals prior to and following injury/sham. All data were collected for approximately 12 h from the beginning of the study until euthanasia. Therapeutic hypothermia reduced injury in the HI compared to the I group (histological injury score = 0.51 ± 0.18 vs. 0.76 ± 0.06; p = 0.02) with no change in gas exchange. All groups expressed distinct phenotypes, with a reduction in pro‐inflammatory metabolites, an increase in anti‐inflammatory metabolites, and a reduction in inflammatory cytokines observed in the HI group compared to the I group. Changes to respiratory system mechanics in the injured groups were due to increases in lung elastance (E) and resistance (R) (ΔE from pre‐injury = 46 ± 14 cmH2O L−1, p < 0.0001; ΔR from pre‐injury: 3 ± 2 cmH2O L−1 s−, p = 0.30) rather than changes to the chest wall (ΔE from pre‐injury: 0.7 ± 1.6 cmH2O L−1, p = 0.99; ΔR from pre‐injury: 0.6 ± 0.1 cmH2O L−1 s−, p = 0.01). Both control groups had no change in respiratory mechanics. In conclusion, therapeutic hypothermia can reduce markers of injury and inflammation associated with experimentally induced short‐term ARDS.

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