THE SENSITIZATION OF A SYMPATHETIC GANGLION BY PREGANGLIONIC DENERVATION

Abstract

Evidence indicates that denervated skeletal and smooth muscles are sensitized to the natural chemical mediators of the nerve impulses which cause them to contract. Sympathetic ganglion cells may be regarded as innervated by preganglionic fibers. Acetylcholine, either injected or applied locally, has a much greater effect in stimulating the superior cervical ganglion chronically deprived of its preganglionic innervation than the superior cervical ganglion acutely denervated. Increased sensitiveness of the denervated structures is attributed to a greater permeability of these structures to various stimulating agents.