“Emotional” Bradycardia: A Telemetry Study on Incubating Willow Grouse ( Lagopus lagopus)

• Published in: Acta Physiologica Scandinavica
• Main Authors: Gabrielsen, Geir, Kanwisher, John, Steen, Johan B.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1977
• Subjects: Arctic; Johansen; Watchers
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-1716.1977.tb05944.x; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1111%2Fj.1748-1716.1977.tb05944.x; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1748-1716.1977.tb05944.x

Although heart rate in most species reflects the metabolic state of the animal, emotional stimuli may act as strong modifying agents. This has been experienced by arctic explorers challenged by polar bears (Nansen 1898) and by TV‐watchers during exciting shows. It is also noticed in animals under a variety of experimental conditions (Folkow and Neil 1971). Thus, in some animals, cortico‐hypothalamic activity may strongly influence the cardiovascular response pattern in certain situations. Inexperienced parachuters, for instance, may more than double their heart rate, without any increase in metabolism, prior to a jump (Ursin, Baade and Levine 1977). Oppossums and deerkids, on the other hand, display pronounced cardiac retardation, much reduced breathing rate and temporary Joss of consciousness (“playing dead”‐reaction) when exposed to danger (Folkow and Neil 1971). In this context it is noteworthy that the cardiac response to danger in arctic explorers does not involve loss of consciousness. This was well demonstrated when H. Johansen from his supine position underneath a hungry bear exclaimed to his companion, F. Nansen: “You must look sharp it you want to be in time” (Nansen 1898).