Anatomy and Cell Biology

Korean Association of Anatomists (대한해부학회)
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Histology and immunohistochemistry of the human carotid sinus nerve

  • Davin Bryant (Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • Erin McCormack (Department of Neurological Surgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • Juan J. Cardona (Department of Neurological Surgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • Arada Chaiyamoon (Department of Neurological Surgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • Devendra Shekhawat (Department of Neurological Surgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • Francisco Reina (Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neurosciences Research Group, University of Girona) ;
  • Ana Carrera (Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neurosciences Research Group, University of Girona) ;
  • Joe Iwanaga (Department of Neurological Surgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • Aaron S. Dumont (Department of Neurological Surgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • R. Shane Tubbs (Department of Neurological Surgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine)
  • Received : 2023.03.24
  • Accepted : 2023.07.09
  • Published : 2023.12.31
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Abstract

The carotid sinus nerve (CSN) is well known as mediating baroreflexes. However, studies of its detailed histological analysis are scant in the literature. Therefore, the current anatomical study sought to better elucidate the microanatomy of the CSN. Ten fresh frozen adult cadavers underwent dissection of the CSN. Then, it was harvested and submitted for histological and immunohistochemical staining. Specimens were all shown to be nerve fibers on histology and immunohistochemistry. We identified tyrosine hydroxylase positive fibers in all CSN specimens. These fibers were always found to be within the CSN and not on its surface i.e., epineurium. Based on our findings, the majority of fibers contained in the CSN are tyrosine positive in nature. Further studies are necessary to understand the true function of this autonomic nerve fibers.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors sincerely thank those who donated their bodies to science so that anatomical research could be performed. Results from such research can potentially increase mankind's overall knowledge that can then improve patient care. Therefore, these donors and their families deserve our highest gratitude [23].

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