Glutamate receptors on postganglionic sympathetic axons

S. M. Carlton, K. Chung, Z. Ding, R. E. Coggeshall

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

The present study demonstrates that approximately 36% of postganglionic sympathetic axons in gray rami express receptors for the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor and 10% express the glutamate receptor 1 subunit of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4- isoxazolepropionic acid receptor. If these receptors are active, glutamate released from primary afferent terminals could activate these receptors resulting in the release of noradrenaline and other substances from postganglionic sympathetic neurons. This interaction would constitute a non- synaptic, sensory-sympathetic, peripheral reflex that might be important in local vascular control and in pain states that have a sympathetic component.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)601-605
Number of pages5
JournalNeuroscience
Volume83
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • NMDA
  • Nociception
  • Non-NMDA
  • Pain

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Glutamate receptors on postganglionic sympathetic axons'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this