Ultrastructure of baroreceptors in the carotid sinus of the rabbit

Abstract

In the rabbit, baroreceptive intercalated and terminal receptor segments of the sinus nerve extend in the border region of adventitia and media of the carotid sinus wall. These receptors measuring 600–6,500 nm harbour a great number of mitochondria. They are either round, ovoid or elongated. Round receptors are present over the whole area of the carotid sinus. Large receptors appear to be missing in the upper region, where only very elongated receptors are present, which are arranged in circular array in relation to the vascular axis. The baroreceptors are enveloped by special organelle-rich terminal cells of Schwann cell origin. The receptors have a special orientation in regard to the muscle-elastic system and to collagen. Receptors contain osmiophilic and laminated bodies, signs of degeneration and vesicles of different sizes. Many tubuli as well as glycogen granules are apparent. Some of these axoplasmatic changes appear to be related to metabolic processes (turnover) occurring in young and old animals.