Pregnancy is associated with reduced baroreflex gain, but its underlying mechanism remains uncertain. This study investigated the roles of nitric oxide, angiotensin II, and insulin resistance in this impairment using a rabbit model. Nitric oxide and angiotensin II were found not to influence baroreflex gain, as blockade of these pathways had no effect. In contrast, insulin resistance strongly correlated with reduced baroreflex function, with parallel declines during pregnancy and reversal following treatment with an insulin-sensitizing agent. Reduced insulin levels in cerebrospinal fluid further supported this link, suggesting that impaired insulin signaling contributes to decreased baroreflex gain in pregnancy.
