Neuropharmacological studies of the sympathetic reflex arc

The development of techniques for recording neural activity from preganglionic white rami communicates has furnished an approach for the analysis of the organizations of sympathetic efferent activity in the spinal cord. Studies of the spontaneous activity and reflex activation of sympathetic preganglionic neurons isolated from supraspinal control have demonstrated the integrity of sympathetic reflex arcs and have provided insight into the integrative capability of spinal mechanisms controlling the sympathetic outflow. Comparison of the reflex activity of sympathetic preganglionic neurons with that of somatic motoneurons reveals both similarities and differences in the central organization of these distinctly separate efferent systems.