Experimental Study on Foramen Arch of Vertebral Artery of Atlas

Objective: To investigate the changes of the rate and the volume of blood flow of vertebral artery by the foramen arch of atlas.Methods: 4 rhesus monkeys were used in the experiment.The results were determined by ultrasound Doppler and digital subtract arteriography.Results: The rate and the volume of blood flow of vertebral artery were decelerated significantly during the circus movement of neck when the foramen arch of vertebral artery of atlas was existed.The rate and the volume of blood flow of vertebral artery were also decelerated by stimulating the wall of vertebral artery.Conclusions: It was showed that besides mechanical pressure of the vertebral artery of the foramen arch,the stimulating the wall of vertebral artery can also cause the constriction of artery,and as a result,decelerate the blood flow of vertebral artery.