Abstract
Total nucleic acid and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) were determined in the superior cervical ganglion of the rabbit after section of the postganglionic fibers, and after stimulation of the preganglionic fibers. The normal levels of total nucleic acid and DNA were 44 mg and 13 mg of nucleic acid P/100 g wet weight of tissue, respectively. Both increased after section of the postganglionic fibers, nucleic acid to 130 mg in 14 days, DNA to 50 mg. The main increase was presumably in the RNA fraction. After stimulation of the preganglionic fibers total nucleic acid remained unchanged but DNA increased markedly. Estimations of total nucleic acid and DNA content of the superior cervical ganglion and tlbial nerve of very immature rabbits are also reported.