Morphometric Parameters of the Carotid Body in Elderly Patients with Hemodynamically Significant Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis

Over the past decade, knowledge regarding the neurochemistry and physiology of the carotid body (CB) has expanded significantly, particularly concerning its role in respiration and blood pressure regulation. However, data on CB histostructural changes in older individuals with hemodynamically significant internal carotid artery stenosis remain insufficient. However, data on the histostructural changes of the CB in elderly individuals with hemodynamically significant internal carotid artery stenosis remain insufficient. The aim of the study is to analyze the CB morphometric parameters in elderly patients with arterial hypertension and 70–90 % internal carotid artery stenosis. Materials and Methods. The study examined CB specimen obtained during carotid endarterectomy from 34 patients (13 females and 21 males) aged 54–83. Tissue specimen were stained using Masson’s trichrome staining. CB tissue composition and cross-sectional area were assessed using ImageJ software (version 1.53). The number of lobules per organ was counted; additionally, the areas of lobules, structural and functional units, CB connective tissue, nerve bundles, and extravascular vessels were measured. Statistical data processing was performed using The jamovi project (2024; Version 2.5). Descriptive statistics were calculated using the Mann – Whitney or Student's t-tests; correlations were determined using the Spearman’s rank correlation matrix. Results. Morphometric analysis of the CB histostructural components revealed no sexual dimorphism or age-related changes in patients with arterial hypertension. CB coordinated growth and structural integration were also revealed: changes in organ size were associated with proportional and synchronized transformation of both parenchymal elements and stromal components. High individual variability in organ morphology was also revealed, which should be taken into account in subsequent studies.