STUDIES IN DENERVATION: B.--THE CIRCULATION IN DENERVATED DIGITS

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Abstract
Observations on subjects with preganglionic and ganglionic sympathectomies and patients with peripheral nerve lesions are reported. The digital vascular reactions in peripheral nerve lesions are similar to those following sympathetic ganglionectomies. The degeneration of the sympathetic fibers caused hypersensitivity to the local vasoconstricting action of cold. Observations on reactive hyperemia led to the conclusion that the blood flow to denervated digits was adequate for the needs of the tissues. The digital atrophy was ascribed to the lowered metabolism consequent on the coldness of the denervated areas.