Effects of divalent cations and of catecholamines on the late response of the superior cervical ganglion.

The characteristics of the late response of the superior cervical ganglion of dogs were studied by close-arterial injection of catecholamines and divalent cations to the ganglion. 2. Dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline inhibit the late response as well as ganglionic activity induced by other means. The effect of dopamine is brief but that of adrenaline is prolonged. 3. Cd2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Hg2+ and Fe2+ markedly potentiate the late response, whereas Mn2+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ inhibit it. 4. may potentiate ganglionic activity triggered by other ganglionic stimulants. The Cd-augmented activity may be blocked by a ganglion-blocker which is specific to the stimulant. 5. CdCl2 may exhibit a direct ganglion-stimulating action on a ganglion which shows prominent late responses and has been conditioned by tetanic preganglionic stimulation. 6. CdCl2 and MnCl2 may inhibit ganglionic transmission by suppressing acetylcholine release from presynaptic nerve terminals. 7. It is concluded that the late response represents the late discharges of ganglion cells, which are very sensitive to inhibition by CaCl2 and MnCl2 and may be potentiated by CdCl2.