Experimental study of effect of stimulation of the cervical sympathetic nerve on the blood flow of vertebral artery

Objective To explore the effect of cervical sympathetic nerve stimulation on the blood flow of vertebral artery Methods The cervical sympathetic nerve and vertebral artery of 32 healthy cats were exposed surgically,and the cervical sympathetic nerves were stimulated with the electric stimulating instrument in different voltage and the changes of blood flow were recorded.Results The blood flow of vertebral artery decreased with the increase of the strength of stimulation.Prolongation of the stimulation time,the blood flow of vertebral artery remarkably decreased.When the stimulation was terminated,the blood flow of vertebral artery recovered to normal.Conclusion Contraction of the vertebral artery occurred when the cervical sympathetic nerve was stimulated.Stimulation of the cervical sympathetic nerves appears to be one of the etiology of cervical syndrome of the arterial type.