Chronic Effect on Blood Pressure of Bilateral Carotid and Vertebral Ligation in the Rabbit

Abstract

A method is described of performing bilateral carotid ligation in the rabbit preserving the carotid sinus and the central artery of the ear. Of 26 animals prepared in this way, and 14 with bilateral vertebral ligation, none developed chronic hypertension. The development of a collateral circulation is shown by serial retinal artery pressure readings and by resin casts of cerebral vessels; neither carotid nor vertebral ligations produce any permanent ischemia in their area of supply. In 25 animals subjected to combined vertebral and carotid ligation, a marked lowering of arterial pressure in the head was obtained, but no animal developed hypertension until the carotid sinuses were subsequently denervated. It is concluded that previous workers who have reported chronic hypertension following ligation of cerebral arteries have been studying the effects of interference with buffer-nerve function.