The effects of superior cervical ganglionectomy on the ability of spatial memory using radial arm maze in the rats

BACKGROUND: Stress, elevated sympathetic nervous system, glucocorticoid concentration affect learning and memory. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of superior cervical ganglionectomy on the spatial memory using radial arm maze test. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Rats were divided into two groups: a superior cervical ganglionectomy group and a control group. Each rat was put into the radial arm maze two times per day for 4 days. We checked the number of the total visit, the total error, the reference memory error, the working memory error. And then a superior cervical ganglionectomy group received bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy, and a control group received a sham operation. The radial arm maze test was then repeated and we evaluated the effect of superior cervical ganglionectomy on spatial memory. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in ratio of total error, reference memory error, and working memory error. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy in rats does not effect the spatial memory. However, further studies are needed to determine the effect of superior cervical ganglionectomy on spatial memory.

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

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.