Pre- and postganglionic sympathetic activity in white rami of rats

Abstract

Multifiber sympathetic activity was recorded from the central end of severed 13th thoracic communicating rami in urethane-anesthetized rats before and after ganglionic blockade by chlorisondamine. Ganglionic blockade decreased nerve discharge by 49 ± 10% (n = 7) indicating that these rami are composed of postganglionic axons (other than gray rami fibers) as well as preganglionic axons. Histological examination of excised T13 rami showed that postganglionic cell bodies are located along the course of these nerves. © 1990.