The influence of the sympathetic system on mechanoreception and nociception. A review.

Physiological evidence, including some recent microneurographic data obtained in man, that suggests the existence of a sympathetic influence on somatosensory input is reviewed. Following nerve injury abnormal sympathetic-afferent connections might occur. Hypothetically, such abnormalities could be of significance in clinical states involving nerve injuries where sensory and trophic dysfunctions are also prominent characteristics.