How did Ivan Pavlov investigate blood pressure and heart function in dogs?

Between 1888 and 1890, Ivan Pavlov conducted independent research on the circulatory system, specifically focusing on cardiac physiology and the regulation of blood pressure.12

Pavlov developed exceptional surgical skills that allowed him to perform procedures on dogs with minimal distress. His methods included:

• Catheterization: He was able to introduce a catheter into a dog's femoral artery almost painlessly, even without anesthesia, to record how various pharmacological and emotional stimuli influenced blood pressure.2
• Nerve Dissection: By carefully dissecting fine cardiac nerves, he demonstrated how nerves leaving the cardiac plexus control the strength of the heartbeat.2
• Vagal Nerve Stimulation: He stimulated the severed ends of cervical nerves to observe the specific effects of the right and left vagal nerves on heart function.2

Pavlov later emphasized the importance of ethical treatment in his research, establishing precise surgical procedures and ensuring strict attention to postoperative care and the maintenance of animal health at the Institute of Experimental Medicine.2