Korean J Anesthesiol.  2009 Dec;57(6):742-748. 10.4097/kjae.2009.57.6.742.

The effects of superior cervical ganglionectomy on the anxiety in the rats

• Cho EJ
• Shim HS
• Park CM

• KMID: 2239793
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2009.57.6.742

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Therapeutic indications for stellate ganglion block range from head and upper arm disease to general disease including psychosomatic disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of superior cervical ganglionectomy on anxiety using the elevated plus maze test. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (150-250 g) were used. Each rat was put into the elevated plus maze 5 minutes per day for 10 days. We checked the number of entries into each arm (open arm and closed arm) and the duration of time staying in each arm. Rats were then divided into two groups: a group that received bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy, and a control group that received a sham operation. The elevated plus maze test was then repeated and we evaluated the effect of superior cervical ganglionectomy on anxiety. RESULTS: Although there was an increased tendency of ganglionectomized rats to enter each arm, there were no significant differences in number of entries or in duration of stay between experimental and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy in rats does not reduce anxiety. However, further studies are needed, ones combined with neuroendocrine and clinical studies, to determine the effect of superior cervical ganglionectomy on behavioral responses.

Keyword

Anxiety; Stress; Superior cervical ganglionectomy; Sympathectomy

MeSH Terms

Animals
Anxiety
Arm
Ganglionectomy
Head
Humans
Male
Psychophysiologic Disorders
Rats
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
Salicylamides
Stellate Ganglion
Sympathectomy
Salicylamides