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The Journal of Comparative Neurology Oct 1999Individual autonomic postganglionic neurons are surrounded by pericellular baskets of preganglionic terminals that are easily identifiable with the light microscope. It...
Individual autonomic postganglionic neurons are surrounded by pericellular baskets of preganglionic terminals that are easily identifiable with the light microscope. It has been assumed that the target cell of a pericellular basket of preganglionic terminals is the neuron at the centre of the basket. This assumption has enabled the connectivity of preganglionic neurons to be determined at the light microscopic level. However, if the preganglionic terminals in a pericellular basket make synapses with the dendrites of nearby, but functionally different, postganglionic neurons, then the conclusions of light microscopic studies are far less certain. We have used a serial section ultrastructural study to determine the target of the preganglionic pericellular basket in a situation where the apparent target cell is surrounded by neurons of dissimilar function. In the rat superior cervical ganglion, postganglionic neurons projecting to the iris were identified, using retrograde tracers, as single neurons (i.e., not in clusters). We have used immunohistochemistry to show that iris-projecting neurons are surrounded by preganglionic nerve terminals containing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). We have demonstrated that the pericellular basket of CGRP-immunoreactive preganglionic terminals provides inputs only to the soma at the centre of the basket and not to the dendrites of surrounding neurons. This suggests that, in autonomic ganglia, light microscopic identification of the preganglionic terminal baskets is likely to be a reliable method for identifying the targets of subclasses of preganglionic neurons.
Topics: Animals; Autonomic Fibers, Postganglionic; Autonomic Fibers, Preganglionic; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Female; Iris; Male; Microscopy; Microscopy, Electron; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Neural Pathways; Neurons; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Superior Cervical Ganglion
PubMed: 10464357
DOI: No ID Found -
Pflugers Archiv : European Journal of... May 1976Single postganglionic neurones to hairy skin and hairless skin of the hindleg were investigated on spinal cord heating and spinal cord cooling in chloralose anesthetized...
Single postganglionic neurones to hairy skin and hairless skin of the hindleg were investigated on spinal cord heating and spinal cord cooling in chloralose anesthetized cats. 1. Spontaneously active postganglionic neurones which were classified as vasoconstrictor neurones were depressed by spinal cord heating and excited by spinal cord cooling. The overall response to spinal cord cooling was smaller than that to spinal cord heating. 2. Postganglionic neurones to the hairless skin, which had most likely sudomotor function, responded initially to spinal cord heating with a few impulses or not at all. As judged by the skin potentials recorded from the hairless skin the sweat glands were also only weakly activated at the beginning of the heat stimuli. 3. Six silent postganglionic neurones, 3 each to the hairy skin and to the hairless skin, were excited during spinal cord heating. The response of these neurones consisted of a dynamic and a static component and started at the beginning of the heating stimuli with latencies of less than 10S. The neurones could not be excited by any other stimuli and were classified as cutaneous vasodilator neurones. 4. Quantitative analysis of 4 spontaneously active postganglionic (vasoconstrictor) neurones and 3 silent postganglionic (vasodilator) neurones revealed that the threshold of the responses of these neurones to spinal cord heating was 40-42 degrees C (on the dorsal spinal cord) and that the response increase was maximal at the highest temperatures tested (43-44 degrees C).¿
Topics: Animals; Autonomic Fibers, Postganglionic; Body Temperature Regulation; Cats; Cold Temperature; Evoked Potentials; Hindlimb; Hot Temperature; Neural Conduction; Skin; Spinal Cord; Sweat Glands; Vasomotor System
PubMed: 945547
DOI: 10.1007/BF01062281 -
Neuroscience 1989A correlated histochemical and pharmacological study was undertaken to establish the presence, origin, and possible function of nerve fibers containing a galanin-like...
A correlated histochemical and pharmacological study was undertaken to establish the presence, origin, and possible function of nerve fibers containing a galanin-like peptide in the mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) heart. Whole mount preparations of septum-sinus venosus or atria and sections of ventricular muscle were prepared for immunocytochemistry. Galanin-immunoreactive fibers were found coursing diffusely across the septum-sinus venosus to form complex networks over cardiac muscle strands. Individual atrial muscle strands were densely innervated by galanin-immunoreactive fibers and galanin-immunoreactive fibers were also observed in the epicardial and myocardial layers of the ventricle. Most of the parasympathetic postganglionic neurons in the cardiac ganglion and many of the small intensely fluorescent-like cells exhibited galanin immunoreactivity. Galanin-immunoreactive fibers were present in the nerve trunks connecting clusters of parasympathetic postganglionic neurons. Close associations between galanin-positive fibers and individual parasympathetic postganglionic neurons were also observed. The presence of the galanin-immunoreactive fibers was similar in preparations taken from animals pretreated with 6-hydroxydopamine to that seen in preparations taken from control animals, indicating that the galanin-positive fibers were not sympathetic postganglionic axons. Moreover, the galanin-immunoreactive nerve fibers were separate from fibers containing substance P and/or calcitonin gene-related peptide that have previously been shown to be processes of afferent fibers. In twitch-tension experiments, galanin in the range 1 x 10(-7) to 1 x 10(-6) M caused cardioinhibition of spontaneously beating isolated septal-sinus venosus preparations. Galanin also produced a concentration-dependent (1 x 10(-7) to 1 x 10(-6) M) decrease in the twitch-tension development of electrically stimulated atrial or ventricular preparations. Local application of galanin produced hyperpolarization of cardiac muscle fibers in both isolated septal-sinus venosus preparations and atrial preparations. The response of individual parasympathetic ganglion cells to local application of galanin varied between neurons; some neurons were depolarized whereas others were hyperpolarized. We conclude that a galanin-like peptide is contained in both the parasympathetic postganglionic neurons and small intensely fluorescent-like cells and their processes. Further, we hypothesize that in the case of the parasympathetic postganglionic neurons, the galanin-like peptide may work in conjunction with acetylcholine to regulate cardiac activity.
Topics: Animals; Autonomic Fibers, Postganglionic; Galanin; Immunohistochemistry; Membrane Potentials; Myocardial Contraction; Myocardium; Necturus; Peptides; Substance P
PubMed: 2472581
DOI: 10.1016/0306-4522(89)90146-2 -
Neuroscience Letters Feb 1988The fluorescent retrograde tracer, True blue, was applied directly to either the superior ovarian nerve (SON) or the ovarian plexus nerve (OPN) in the rat. Afferent...
The fluorescent retrograde tracer, True blue, was applied directly to either the superior ovarian nerve (SON) or the ovarian plexus nerve (OPN) in the rat. Afferent perikarya were located in lower thoracic-upper lumbar dorsal root ganglia and projected to the ovary via both nerve routes. Postganglionic sympathetic efferent perikarya were located in both prevertebral and thoracolumbar paravertebral ganglia and also utilized both the SON and OPN to reach the ovary. The significance of the dual origin of postganglionic sympathetic neurons innervating the rat ovary is not known.
Topics: Afferent Pathways; Animals; Autonomic Fibers, Postganglionic; Benzofurans; Female; Fluorescent Dyes; Ganglia, Spinal; Ganglia, Sympathetic; Ovary; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains
PubMed: 3374837
DOI: 10.1016/0304-3940(88)90354-0 -
Archives Internationales de... Apr 1972
Review
Topics: Acetylcholine; Action Potentials; Animals; Anura; Autonomic Fibers, Postganglionic; Autonomic Fibers, Preganglionic; Catecholamines; Cats; Dogs; Electric Stimulation; Evoked Potentials; Ganglia, Autonomic; Ganglionic Blockers; Guinea Pigs; Muscle Contraction; Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents; Rabbits; Rats; Receptors, Cholinergic; Synapses; Synaptic Transmission
PubMed: 4404132
DOI: No ID Found -
Clinical Autonomic Research : Official... Feb 2017Antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD-Abs) have been associated with several conditions, rarely involving the autonomic nervous system. Here, we describe two...
PURPOSE
Antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD-Abs) have been associated with several conditions, rarely involving the autonomic nervous system. Here, we describe two patients complaining of autonomic symptoms in whom a post-ganglionic autonomic neuropathy has been demonstrated in association with significantly elevated serum and CSF GAD-Abs levels.
METHODS
Patients underwent nerve conduction studies, sympathetic skin response testing, evaluation of autonomic control of the cardiovascular system and skin biopsy. Also, serum screening to exclude predisposing causes of peripheral neuropathy was performed. Anti-GAD65 antibodies were evaluated in serum and CSF.
RESULTS
GAD-Abs titer was increased in both serum and CSF in both patients. Sympathetic skin response was absent and skin biopsy revealed a non-length-dependent small-fiber neuropathy with sympathetic cholinergic and adrenergic post-ganglionic damage in both patients. Nerve conduction studies and evaluation of autonomic control of the cardiovascular system were normal in both patients. Both patients were treated with steroids with good, but partial, (patient 2) recovery of the autonomic dysfunctions.
CONCLUSIONS
Although the pathophysiological mechanisms involved are not fully defined, GAD-abs positivity in serum and CSF should be searched in patients with autonomic neuropathy when no other acquired causes are evident. This positivity may help to clarify autoimmune etiology and, subsequently, to consider immunomodulatory treatment.
Topics: Autoantibodies; Autonomic Fibers, Postganglionic; Autonomic Nervous System Diseases; Glutamate Decarboxylase; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neural Conduction
PubMed: 27913968
DOI: 10.1007/s10286-016-0390-6 -
Rinsho Shinkeigaku = Clinical Neurology Sep 1989The functions of autonomic nervous system were systematically evaluated in a case of causalgia in the upper limbs after neck trauma. A 14-year-old boy had had hard blow... (Review)
Review
The functions of autonomic nervous system were systematically evaluated in a case of causalgia in the upper limbs after neck trauma. A 14-year-old boy had had hard blow on his nucha in a rough fight. After one week, a sustained burning pain, swelling and skin color change developed in the left upper limb. These symptoms also appeared in the right upper limb after 6 weeks. The physical examinations disclosed edema, reddish moist skin, and atrophic nail in the upper limbs. The neurological examinations showed a radiating pain to the upper limbs caused by the neck movement or pressure on the supraclavicular fossae, weakness of the upper limbs and left lower limb, and loss of sensation in the 5th to 8th cervical and first thoracic dermatomal segments. Deep tendon reflexes were diminished in the upper limbs and exaggerated in the lower limbs. Neither Horner syndrome nor sphincter disturbance was observed. He was diagnosed as being the cervicothoracic radiculopathy and cervical myelopathy due to the mechanical force. The burning pain disappeared with oral administration of guanethidine. On the examinations of the autonomic functions, the sweating response to the thermal stimulation was absent above the 5th thoracic dermatomal segment. The sweating response to the intradermal acetylcholine was decreased in the second and third thoracic dermatomal segments. The systolic hypotension with increasing pulse rate occurred on standing. The reactive elevation of the blood pressure to the intravenous tyramine was absent. The excessive elevation of the systolic blood pressure was induced by the subcutaneous injection of epinephrine. These results indicated the dysfunction of the sympathetic postganglionic sudomotor and vasomotor fibers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Topics: Adolescent; Adrenergic Fibers; Arm; Autonomic Fibers, Postganglionic; Autonomic Nervous System Diseases; Causalgia; Humans; Male; Neck Injuries; Neuralgia
PubMed: 2689035
DOI: No ID Found -
British Journal of Neurosurgery 1992Bilateral carotid angiography was performed in the squirrel monkey before and after unilateral pre- and postganglionic trigeminal lesioning. A unilateral postganglionic...
Bilateral carotid angiography was performed in the squirrel monkey before and after unilateral pre- and postganglionic trigeminal lesioning. A unilateral postganglionic lesion caused a significant constriction of about 27% of the ipsilateral cerebral arteries, while a preganglionic lesion did not change the baseline arterial diameter. Following a subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) the degree of vasoconstriction in the animals with a preganglionic lesion did not differ significantly from that seen in controls. In the postganglionically lesioned animals, the vasoconstriction was more pronounced (12% at both 10 min and 6 days post SAH) on the lesioned as compared with the non-lesioned side. At day 6 post SAH the degree of vasoconstriction was 19% more pronounced on the lesioned side in post- as compared with the preganglionically lesioned animals. There was no difference in the degree of spasm on the non-lesioned side between the two groups. The findings indicate that the trigeminal system has both a peripheral and a central function. The peripheral, or axon reflex mechanism, exerts a tonic effect on the cerebral vessels. Following a SAH the axon reflex seems to attenuate cerebral vasospasm.
Topics: Animals; Autonomic Fibers, Postganglionic; Autonomic Fibers, Preganglionic; Cerebral Angiography; Cerebral Arteries; Dominance, Cerebral; Ischemic Attack, Transient; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Saimiri; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage; Trigeminal Nerve; Vascular Resistance
PubMed: 1449667
DOI: 10.3109/02688699208995034 -
Archives of Neurology Mar 1982A patient had progressive segmental anhidrosis, which proved after extensive neurologic and autonomic workup to be an isolated abnormality. Intradermal acetylcholine...
A patient had progressive segmental anhidrosis, which proved after extensive neurologic and autonomic workup to be an isolated abnormality. Intradermal acetylcholine produced localized sweating in areas of thermoregulatory anhidrosis five months after the onset of symptoms but failed to do so at two years. These findings are consistent with a preganglionic sympathetic lesion affecting a functionally defined subset of sympathetic cells and/or fibers. The alteration of the sudomotor response to intradermal acetylcholine during the course of the illness suggests that the diagnostic utility of pharmacologic sweat tests may be time dependent, limited to a relatively early period following onset of anhidrosis.
Topics: Acetylcholine; Adult; Autonomic Fibers, Postganglionic; Autonomic Fibers, Preganglionic; Autonomic Nervous System Diseases; Bethanechol Compounds; Body Temperature Regulation; Humans; Hypohidrosis; Intradermal Tests; Male; Methacholine Compounds; Pilocarpine; Sweating
PubMed: 7065936
DOI: 10.1001/archneur.1982.00510150042010 -
Journal of Anatomy Apr 1993The distribution of dorsal rami of the otic ganglion was traced on one or both sides of 1 rhesus and 15 cynomolgus monkeys using interrupted serial sections. From 15 to...
The distribution of dorsal rami of the otic ganglion was traced on one or both sides of 1 rhesus and 15 cynomolgus monkeys using interrupted serial sections. From 15 to 24 fine rami containing unmyelinated and small myelinated nerve fibres entered the cranial cavity with the mandibular nerve through the foramen ovale. Most rami contributed to a plexus positioned in the crotch of the mandibular and maxillary nerves adjacent to the trigeminal ganglion. The plexus was augmented by an accessory otic ganglion. Rami then continued dorsally on each side of or through the maxillary nerve and joined the cavernous sinus plexus. The pathway described probably gives otic parasympathetic fibres access to the cerebral arteries and may share a wider distribution in common with other nerves contributing to the cavernous sinus plexus.
Topics: Animals; Autonomic Fibers, Postganglionic; Cavernous Sinus; Cebidae; Ear; Macaca fascicularis; Macaca mulatta; Mandibular Nerve; Microscopy, Electron; Microtomy; Neural Pathways
PubMed: 8376193
DOI: No ID Found