Effects of cholinergic and adrenergic blocking agents on the activity of the eccrine sweat glands

Abstract

1. The effects of blocking agents on the responsiveness of the cast' pad and human forearm sweat glands have been studied. 2. Of the anti‐adrenergic substances examined (dibenamine, phenoxybenzamine, bretylium, guanethidine and phentolamine) only high doses of guanethidine and phentolamine produced any consistent and significant measure of blockade, and small doses of atropine were as effective as these large doses of guanethidine or phentolamine. 3. It is concluded from the blockade of chemical stimulation as well as transmission by these substances that (1) there are only cholinergic fibres innervating eccrine sweat glands, and (2) any inhibitory action by anti‐adrenergic substances is due to interaction with cholinergic receptors in the glands.