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Severe carotid barochemoreceptor involvement in stroke
Luigi Matturri1, Anna Maria Lavezzi, Furio Silvestri
1Institute of Pathology, University of Milan, Italy.
International Journal of Cardiology
|February 15, 2005
Summary
Stroke patients with carotid atheromatosis exhibit severe carotid glomus damage, including atrophy, fibrosis, and narrowed arterioles. This damage impacts baroreceptor function and arterial pressure regulation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
Background:
- Baroreceptor function is crucial for maintaining arterial pressure during orthostatic stress.
- Morphological changes in baroreceptors during disease are poorly understood.
- Carotid glomus alterations in stroke patients with carotid atheromatosis require characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphological changes in the carotid glomus of elderly stroke patients with obstructive carotid atheromatosis.
- To compare these changes with a control group.
Main Methods:
- Autopsy-obtained carotid segments from 17 stroke patients and 6 controls.
- Histological staining (H&E, Azan, Grimelius) and immunohistochemistry (CD34, S-100).
Main Results:
- Stroke patients showed significant carotid glomus atrophy and fibrosis compared to controls (p<0.0001).
- Loss of chief cells, reduced argyrophilic granules, and diminished vascularization were observed.
- Arterioles supplying the glomus displayed fibrointimal proliferation, internal elastic lamina disruption, and luminal narrowing.
Conclusions:
- Severe carotid glomic damage occurs in elderly stroke patients with carotid atheromatosis, independent of age.
- Significant arteriolar narrowing is a key finding, potentially impacting baroreceptor function.