Relationship between the density of degenerated neurons in the carotid body and changes in blood pH

Abstract

Background/aimCarotid artery is the majority artery for brain feeding. Carotid Bodies (CBs) are located in carotid bifurcation and regulate body fluid pH. We aimed to evaluate the changes in CB-related pH levels as a consequence of degeneration induced by the ligation of both Common Carotid Arteries (BCCAL).Materials and methodsWe included 23 adult male New Zealand rabbits. A control group (n= 5); a sham group (0.5 mL saline injected n=5) and the main study group (subjected to the BCCAL procedure, n = 13). We monitored and recorded pH levels, and cardiac rhythms before, during, and after the experiments at two-day intervals. The study lasted three weeks. Additionally, we quantified both healthy and degenerated neuron densities within the CBs.ResultsAcross all groups, initial pH levels were: control (7.42 ± 0.039), sham (7.39 ± 0.059), and study (7.35 ± 0.12). Before euthanasia, pH levels adjusted to control (7.40 ± 0.029), sham (7.42 ± 0.041), and study (7.39 ± 0.12). Degenerated neuron density of CB was measured as: control (11 ± 4/mm^3), sham (394 ± 74/mm^3), and study (1363 ± 347/mm^3). In addition, statistical analysis post-ligation revealed significant differences: control vs. sham (p