【Abstract】ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of CO2 pneumoperitoneum on blood flow of carotid arteries in atherosclerosis rabbits.MethodsFifty Japan white rabbits were randomly divided into control group and three atherosclerosis groups. In atherosclerosis group, the rabbits were randomly subjected to CO2 pneumoperitoneum with an intraabdominal pressure of 0 mm Hg, 10 mm Hg or 15 mm Hg for 2 hours, after the model were created by feeding the rabbits with high fatty diet. The blood flow of the common carotid arteries were measured by electromagnetic blood flowmeter. Artery blood samples were collected for blood gas analysis at 30 minute intervals. ResultsHigher insufflation pressures and longer duration of CO2 pneumoperitoneum were associated with greater increase in blood flow of common carotid arteries. Compared with those in control group and atherosclerosis group with 0 mm Hg CO2 pneumoperitoneum, there were statistically significant increases in blood flow of the common carotid arteries during CO2 pneumoperitoneum in 10 mm Hg and 15 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum group, the changes in 15 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum group were more significant than those in 10 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum group (Plt;0.05). When compared with the blood flow before insufflation, those in 10 mm Hg and 15 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum group also increased significantly during CO2 pneumoperitoneum, even at 30 minute after desufflation (Plt;0.05). However, those in control group and 0 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum group did not change significantly (Pgt;0.05). There were significant decrease in pH and significant increase in PCO2 in both 10 mm Hg and 15 mm Hg groups, when compared with presufflation values or those in control group and 0 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum group(Plt;0.05). The changes in pH and PCO2, however, were no significant at any time point in control group and 0 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum group (Pgt;0.05). HCO3- did not change significantly in either group(Pgt;0.05).ConclusionUnder atherosclerosis conditions, CO2 pneumoperitoneum has an adverse influence on the blood flow of the common carotid arteries which may be associated with increased intrabdominal pressure,absorbed CO2 gas.