Cadaveric study of the autonomic nervous system and thoracic aortic atherosclerosis

Abstract

Objective: The ANS is linked to atherosclerosis-induced cardiovascular events such myocardial infarction and aortic disease. Autonomic dysfunction and atherosclerosis are linked, but the mechanisms are unknown. This study examines the effect of ANS on atherosclerosis in human thoracic aorta.Methods: The descending, aortic arch, and ascending aortas of 42 unselected adult cadavers were autopsied. Groups of ages were used. Seven grades were used by histopathology to grade tissue samples for atherosclerosis. An association between the ANS and atherosclerosis was discovered through immuno-histochemical analysis of neuron terminals on the aortic wall. Based on demographic and clinical characteristics, all data were analysed.Results: In one or more segments, 96.2% of all participants had atherosclerosis. No aneurismal alteration. Atheromas are common independent of age or segment, and atherosclerosis increases with age; ascending aorta. A history of hypertension was statistically significant for atherosclerosis and neuron terminals in all three aortic wall segments: ascending, arch, and descending. ATHERO score was negatively correlated with neuron terminals in all three aortic segments: ascending, arch, and descending.Conclusion: Along with clinical and animal investigations, human cadaveric studies help understand ANS pathophysiology. These data imply a relationship between autonomic dysfunction and thoracic aortic atherosclerosis, especially with hypertension. Stress-induced hypertension may be an atherosclerotic risk factor.