Inverse association between basilar arterial volume and neuron density in the stellate ganglion following bilateral common carotid artery ligation: an experimental study

• Published in: World neurosurgery 2016
• Main Authors: Yilmaz, Ilhan, Eseoglu, Metehan, Onen, Mehmet Resid, MD, Tanrıverdi, Osman, Kilic, Mustafa, Yilmaz, Adem, Musluman, Ahmet Murat, Aydin, Mehmet Dumlu, MD, Gündogdu, Cemal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Neurosurgery
• ISSN: 1878-8750
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2016.12.034

Abstract This study examined the relationship between neuron density in the stellate ganglion and the severity of basilar artery enlargement after bilateral common carotid artery ligation (BCCAL). Rabbits (n=24) were randomly divided into three groups: an unoperated control group (n=4); an experimental group subjected to BCCAL (n=15); and a sham-operated control group (n=5). A histological examination of the basilar arteries and stellate ganglia was performed 2 months later. Permanent BCCAL was induced by ligation of common carotid arteries at prebifurcation levels as a model for stenoocclusive carotid artery disease. The mean basilar arterial volume and neuron density in stellate ganglia for all animals was 4200±24 μm3 and 8325±21 μm3, respectively. In sham-operated animals, the mean values were 4360 ±34 μm3 and 8250±25 μm3, respectively. For the experimental group, mean volume and density in animals with slight dilation of the basilar artery (n=6) was 4948±68 μm3 and 10321±12 μm3, respectively, while in animals with severe dilation (n=9), the values were 6728±44 μm3 and 6300±73 μm3. An inverse association was observed between the degree of basilar enlargement and stellate ganglia neuronal density. A high neuron density in stellate ganglia may protect against stenoocclusive carotid artery disease by preventing basilar artery dilation and aneurysm formation in the posterior circulatory arteries.