Autonomic imbalance

Lehmann M, Foster C, Dickhuth HH, Gastmann U. Autonomic imbalance hypothesis and overtraining syndrome. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1998 30 1140-1145. 

The authors concluded that in the absence of any other abnormality the arrest had been the result of an autonomic imbalance due to spreading sympathetic block, although other postoperative causes of death should not be discarded. 

Japanese Patent Kokai Tokkyo Koho 1981b Ginsenosides for treatment of stress accompanied by autonomic imbalance. Japanese Patent Kokai Tokkyo Koho 81 43,214... 

The autonomous functions exhibit circadian rhythms which are under the control of a neuronal pacemaker, located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus. The circadian pacemaker arises from complex dynamics of gene expression and is synchronized to the external light. In the case of mental disorders, the regular rhythms of autonomous functions are obviously disturbed which led to the formulation of the desynchronization hypotheses [8, 9], This does not necessarily contradict the transmitter hypothesis . Transmitter imbalance, of course, also interferes with the inherent system dynamics and can change the endogenous rhythmicity, eventually with the result of desynchronization. A first computational approach which simulates the rhythmicity of the HPA axis and its alterations with scaling of transmitter mediated positive and negative feedback loops is briefly summarized in the second Results section. 

Patients with Down syndrome are hypersensitive to topically applied anticholinergic agents. The pupils often dilate widely in response to tropicamide, reflecting an imbalance between cholinergic and adrenergic autonomic activity in the iris. Cyclopentolate, scopolamine, homatropine, and atropine should therefore be avoided in these patients if at all possible. 

If laxatives of any type are heavily used, not necessarily to the point of abuse, diarrhea will be common, as well as a tendency to nausea and fluid and electrolyte imbalance. The possibility of laxative-induced colonic injury, with damage to the autonomic nervous innervation of the large intestine, has been much discussed and was probably a problem with the violent cathartics formerly used (podophylhn, aloes, and cascara), but is not on record with the laxatives normally used today. Chronic abuse of laxatives, such as senna, can cause changes in colonic structure and function. 

Neuropathic changes to the autonomic nervous system as a consequence of diabetes may affect the motor nerve supply of small intrinsic muscles of the foot, resulting in muscular imbalance, abnormal stresses on tissues and bone, and repetitive injuries. Diminished sensory perception causes an absence of pain and unawareness of minor injuries and ulceration. Also, the sympathetic nerve supply may be damaged and can result in an absence of sweating this leads to dry cracked skin, which can become secondarily infected. ... 

When insects are poisoned by organophosphates, the free acetylcholine level rises sharply, causing great increase in spontaneous nerve activity (neuronal hyperexcitation), both autonomic and somatic. This brings about ion imbalance, and liberation of tissue toxins followed by paralysis, dehydration, and death, a sequence reminiscent of that caused by the chlorinated insecticides (Smallman and Fiske, 1958). 

An abnormal, general elevation of sympathetic activity (termed either hyperactivity, hyper-reactivity or overreactivity) as the major cause of Raynaud s phenomenon in vibration-exposed workers has been advocated by Olsen (1990). In a recent paper, however, the same author (Olsen 1991) sees this as only one of several possible mechanisms leading to vibration-induced Raynaud s phenomenon. The active mechanism of digital artery closure mediated by central sympathetic reflexes is seen as predominant, but other active and passive mechanisms - such as abnormal adrenergic receptor activity of the smooth muscle cell or hypertrophy of vascular smooth muscle cells - are also envisaged as possible etiologic factors. An imbalance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic parts of the autonomic nervous system has been suggested to contribute to the development of VWF (Heinonen et al. 1987 Bovenzi 1990 Farkkila et al. 1990). 

The autonomic nervous system through homeostatic mechanisms adjusts airway size to meet the body s demands. An imbalance of these mechanisms may increase the work of breathing throughout an asthmatic attack. During relaxed situations when there is a decreased demand for airflow, parasympathetic stimulation promotes broncho-constriction leading to increased air-... 

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