Experimental production of vascular lesions in the Willis ring and the basilar artery by carotid constriction

Abstract

Acute vascular lesions of the cerebrobasal arteries were produced in rabbits by bilateral constriction of the common carotid artery. The vascular lesions were identified by visible deposits of carbon particles which were injected intravenously during the postoperative 3 days. Microscopical examination shows carbon deposits on the arterial walls with destruction of the internal elastic layer and degeneration of the medial muscle cells. These vascular lesions were frequently found in animals with severe constriction but not found in animals with slight one.