Changes in Perfusion Pressure in the Mandibular Artery Induced by Functional Alterations of the Superior Cervical Ganglion

¹ Department of Physiology, Baylor University College of Dentistry, Dallas, Texas

Using the perfusion technique, studies were made concerning the relationship between the sympathetic pathways and mandibular vascular tone. Electrical stimulation of the superior cervical ganglion resulted in a vasoconstriction in the mandibular area. A vasodilation was produced by the application of tetraethylammonium chloride, a ganglionic blocking agent, to the same area. Therefore, it was assumed that at least some preganglionic sympathetics synapse with postsympathetics in this structure, which in turn innervated the vessels in the mandibular region.

Severing the mandibular nerve just previous to its entry into the mandibular foramen resulted in a vasodilation. Electrical stimulation of the distal end of the cut mandibular nerve produced a vasoconstriction.

Intra-arterial injections of epinephrine and norepinephrine produced a marked vasoconstriction. Histamine dilated the mandibular vascular bed.