Pathologic and hemodynamic changes of common carotid artery in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome in a porcine model

Abstract

Background/aim: To prepare a porcine model of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and observe the pathologicaland hemodynamic changes in the common carotid artery.Materials and methods: Twelve male miniature pigs were randomly divided into the model and control group (n = 6). Pigs in the modelgroup were kept in an air-flow negative pressure chamber at 0.96 ± 0.01 kPa, and the air oxygen content, temperature, and humiditywere kept at normal culture conditions in both groups. After pigs in the model group presented symptoms of OSAHS, changes in thehemodynamics and morphology of the carotid artery were analyzed using color Doppler, and light and electron microscopy.Results: An animal model of OSAHS was successfully created. The internal diameter of the carotid artery of pigs in the model groupwas decreased, while the intima thickness, peak-systolic mean velocity, and resistance index were increased when compared to thecontrol group (P < 0.05). The results of the light and electron microscopy revealed an incomplete elastic plate, increased media thickness,irregular morphology of the smooth muscle cells, increased collagen fiber bundles, partially disordered elastic fibers, and smooth musclelayers. The quantitative analysis showed significantly increased elastic fibers in the media of the carotid artery in the model group (P