Histological Changes in the Left Stellate Ganglia Related to Heart and Lung Diseases
Author Information
Author(s): Salvatore Docimo Jr., Carmen Piccolo, Daniel Van Arsdale, David E. Elkowitz
Primary Institution: New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hypothesis
This study intends to investigate the histological changes of cadaveric sympathetic nervous tissue of left stellate ganglia and their relationship to noted pathology.
Conclusion
The study found that changes in the number of nerve cell bodies in the left stellate ganglion are dependent on the type of pathology, while fibrotic changes are not significantly influenced by pathological processes.
Supporting Evidence
- The study found fibrotic changes in the left stellate ganglion were not significantly dependent on pathological processes.
- An increase in nerve cell bodies was noted in cadavers with respiratory and cardiovascular pathologies compared to other pathologies.
- The link between cardiopulmonary disease and sympathetic hyperinnervation may be due to the increase in nerve cell bodies.
Takeaway
The study looked at the nerves in the neck that help control the heart and lungs, finding that certain diseases can change how many nerve cells are there.
Methodology
Left stellate ganglia were removed from cadavers, and histological analysis was performed to assess fibrosis and nerve cell body counts.
Limitations
The small sample size for each category may influence statistical significance, and the duration between pathology onset and death was unknown.
Participant Demographics
Cadavers aged 28 to 98, mean age 78.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.023
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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