SOME ASPECTS OF THE PHYSIOLOGY OF ANIMALS SURVIVING COMPLETE EXCLUSION OF SYMPATHETIC NERVE IMPULSES

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Abstract
Methods are described for removing both sympathetic chains from the superior cervical to the pelvic ganglia in parts or from the stellate to the pelvic ganglia intact. Animals thus bilaterally sympathectomized have lived in the laboratory in good health performing normally all their routine functions for many months. The claims that the superior cervical sympathetic ganglia or that the mesenteric nerves are essential for life are thus disproved. Additional removal of one adrenal gland and demedullation of the other demonstrates that the chromophil tissue is not of vital importance. Unilateral sympathectomy of young kittens has not resulted, as they have grown to adult size, in any demonstrable differences in bilaterally symmetrical organs. The basal metabolism usually falls somewhat after sympathectomy, especially after the cervical portion is excised, but as a rule, removal of the sympathetic chains does not reduce the basal metabolic rate more than 10%. Sympatheetomy does not prevent the 9 from performing the functions of reproduction and lactation. After bilateral sympathectomy emotional excitement causes no erection of hairs, no constant increase of blood sugar, no polycythemia, no relative increase of mononuclear cells, and no marked rise of arterial blood pressure. Sympathectomized animals are very sensitive to cold. In cold weather they seek warm places and when exposed to a frigid environment, they lose heat more rapidly than normal animals and rely on shivering for heat production. The conclusion is drawn that the service of the sympathetic system is that of adjusting the internal organs of the body and the internal environment for the use of the neuromuscular systems which are responding to external stimuli.

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