EFFECTS OF ELECTRICAL-STIMULATION OF CERVICAL SYMPATHETIC TRUNKS ON MICROCIRCULATION IN THE FACIAL-NERVE

This study evaluates the circulatory effects of electrical stimulation of the cervical sympathetic trunks on blood flow in the common caroti d artery and facial nerve tissue in dogs. Marked increases in arterial pressure and heart rate were observed due to electrical stimulation o f the cervical sympathetic trunks, while blood flow volume in the comm on carotid artery and in the facial nerve tissue decreased markedly. I t was assumed that microcirculation of the facial nerve is definitely impaired by electrical stimulation of the cervical sympathetic trunks, and the tonicity of the sympathetic nervous system appears to be a ma jor factor in changes in the microcirculation of the facial nerve. It is well known that impaired circulation in the nutrient vessels of the facial nerve has an important effect on the pathogenesis of facial pa lsy. The hypertonicity of the sympathetic nervous system is closely in volved in the onset of facial palsy.