Vascularization and morphology of carotid bodies in patients with essential hypertension.

Vascularization and morphology of carotid bodies in 100 necropsies of patients with essential hypertension in comparison with the 83 normotensives were studied. The statistically significant differences between the two groups were found. The carotid bodies of hypertensive subjects were vascularized by a lower number of arteries than those of the normotensives. This difference seems to be genetically determined. The mean combinated mass of carotid bodies of hypertensive subjects was higher than this of normotensive ones. The hyperplasia of the type I cells in carotid bodies of hypertensives was found. The subjects with a lower number of glomic arteries are more susceptible to disturbation of blood flow to the carotid body, overstimulation of carotid chemoreceptors and consequent hypertension. The results of study done may support the concept of the possible role of carotid body in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension.