[Existence of a peripheral nerve mechanism of interoceptive effects on the function of the adrenal medulla].

In cats with decentralized solar plexus ganglia, discharges in the central stumps of post-ganglionic nerve branches running from the celiac and superior mesenteric ganglia to the adrenal glands, were studied. An obvious peripheral neural connection through C-afferents of peripheral origin was found to exist among the spleen, stomach, small intestine and the adrenals. Electrical stimulation of the central stumps of splenic or superior mesenteric nerves increased adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine contents in the adrenals. Simultaneously there was an increase in the catecholamine concentration in the myocardium, medulla oblongata and hypothalamus, indicating the release of hormones into the blood flow and their uptake by the tissues. A peripheral neural mechanism seems to exist which mediates interoceptive influences on the adrenal medullary function.