[Influence of stellate ganglion block on respiratory system]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of a stellate ganglion block (SGB) or stellate ganglion electrical stimulation (SGES) on pulmonary resistance, on blood flows of the bronchial, pulmonary and common carotid arteries, and on arterial blood gases. Thirteen mongrel dogs were divided into two groups; a SGB group (n = 8) and a SGES group (n = 5). Anesthesia was induced with pentobarbital 25 mg.kg-1 and the animals were mechanically ventilated to maintain constant PaO2 (90-100 mmHg) and PaCO2 (35-40 mmHg). After a thoracotomy, the SGB with 0.5% mepivacaine 1.5 ml was performed, or the SGES was performed at a strength of 12 volts, and at a frequency of 50 Hz, applied for 30 min. In the SGB group, pulmonary resistance after the block did not significantly differ from the control. No significant change occurred in blood flows of the bronchial and pulmonary arteries, but the common carotid artery flow increased significantly after the SGB. Arterial blood gases did not change significantly after the SGB. In the SGES group, pulmonary resistance after the stimulation did not significantly differ from the pre-value. However, blood flows of the bronchial, pulmonary and common carotid arteries decreased significantly after the SGES. Arterial blood gases did not change significantly after the SGES. These results suggest that the SGB may not influence the respiratory system under normal conditions.