Sympathetic Nervous System Research Developments

This book presents the latest research on the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) which is a branch of the autonomic nervous system. It is always active at a basal level (called sympathetic tone) and becomes more active during times of stress. Its actions during the stress response comprise the fight-or-flight response. Like other parts of the nervous system, the sympathetic nervous system operates through a series of interconnected neurons. Sympathetic neurons are frequently considered part of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), although there are many that lie within the central nervous system (CNS). Sympathetic neurons of the spinal cord (which is part of the CNS) communicate with peripheral sympathetic neurons via a series of sympathetic ganglia. Within the ganglia, spinal cord sympathetic neurons join peripheral sympathetic neurons through chemical synapses. Spinal cord sympathetic neurons are therefore called presynaptic (or preganglionic) neurons, while peripheral sympathetic neurons are called postsynaptic (or postganglionic) neurons. At synapses within the sympathetic ganglia, preganglionic sympathetic neurons release acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that binds and activates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on postganglionic neurons. In response to this stimulus, postganglionic neurons principally release noradrenaline (norepinephrine). Prolonged activation can elicit the release of adrenaline from the adrenal medulla. Once released, noradrenaline and adrenaline bind adrenergic receptors on peripheral tissues. Binding to adrenergic receptors causes the effects seen during the fight-or-flight response. These include pupil dilation, increased sweating, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure.

Table of Contents:
Effects of Static Magnetic Fields on Sympathetic Nervous System in Animals and Humans; Obesity and Obesity-Related Hypertension: Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System and 0-adrenoceptor Polymorphisms; Role of Rho/Rho-Kinase in the Brainstem in Cardiovascular Regulation via the Sympathetic Nervous System; Sympathetic Afferent and Efferent Effects on the Low Back and Radicular Pain; Development of Neurotransmitter Content in Sympathetic Ganglia; Sympathetic Nervous System Activity in the Heart and the Skin: Are They Comparable?; The Sympathetic Nervous System in Autoimmunity Target and Immune Modulator; Basic Autonomic and Sensory Innervation Pattern of Human Nasal Mucosa; Clinical Presentation of Sympathetic Dysfunction in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Sympathetic Storming; GABAergic Fibers in the Rostral Paravertebral Sympathetic Ganglia: Do they Originate from Intrinsic Neurons or Preganglionic Neurons?; Sympathetic Neurovascular Interactions and Vascular Sympathetic Innervation; Reverse Na+/Ca2+-Exchange Induced Transmitter Release from Na+-loaded Peripheral Sympathetic Nerves and Its Regulation by Pre-synaptic a2-Receptors; Sympathetic Nervous System and Chronic Pain Syndromes; The Alterations and Future Research in Sympathetic Surgery; Index.