We studied the airway resistance and R-R interval changes (increase of heart rate - GHR) in response to carotid baroreceptors activation, in age-differentiated groups of healthy men. A significant reduction of the cardiac reflex response was observed during the course of aging. In 20-40 year old subjects the carotid baroreceptors activation produced a decrease in airway resistance, whereas this reaction did not occur in older subjects (51-60 years old). The age-dependent physiological reduction of the airway resistance carotid baroreflex control might impair the stability of the upper airway.

Keywords: cardiac carotid baroreflex, Airway Resistance, carotid baroreceptors