Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis: I: Role of the Nervous System

Abstract

The new method of lateral carotid artery original-location autograft was used in the present study. An animal model was prepared with which to investi gate the neurogenic role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Two experiments were performed in 16 operated rabbits to whom was fed a cholesterol-rich diet for four months. In the first experiment, the expected results were obtained in 9 rabbits. Significant atherosclerotic plaques were observed in 4 of 9 (44.4%) samples of intact carotid artery; lipid deposition was found in another 3 (33.3%) samples in which atherosclerotic plaques were not observed by the naked eye but were exhibited by light microscopy; negative results were shown only in 2 (22.2%) samples both by the naked eye and by light microscopy. However, ath erosclerotic plaques were found only in autograft anastomoses but not within the segment of carotid artery autograft. Then, a second experiment as performed with 7 operated rabbits, and simi lar results were obtained. These results clearly indicate that the nervous system plays a very important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.