The amount of compensatory sweating depends on the patient, the damage that the white rami communicans incurs, and the amount of cell body reorganization in the spinal cord after surgery.
Other potential complications include inadequate resection of the ganglia, gustatory sweating, pneumothorax, cardiac dysfunction, post-operative pain, and finally Horner’s syndrome secondary to resection of the stellate ganglion.
www.ubcmj.com/pdf/ubcmj_2_1_2010_24-29.pdf

After severing the cervical sympathetic trunk, the cells of the cervical sympathetic ganglion undergo transneuronic degeneration
After severing the sympathetic trunk, the cells of its origin undergo complete disintegration within a year.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1439-0442.1967.tb00255.x/abstract

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Postoperative Autonomic Deficit

BACKGROUND: Upper thoracic sympathectomy is used to treat several disorders. Sympathetic nerve fibers emanating from thoracic ganglia innervate the heart. Whether unilateral or bilateral upper thoracic sympathectomy affects cardiac sympathetic innervation in humans in vivo has been unclear. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess whether thoracic sympathectomy decreases cardiac sympathetic innervation, as indicated by positron emission tomographic scanning after intravenous injection of the sympathoneural imaging agent 6-[18F]fluorodopamine. METHODS: Nine patients with previous upper thoracic sympathectomies (four right-sided, one left-sided, four bilateral) underwent thoracic 6-[18F]fluorodopamine scanning between 1 and 2 hours after injection of the imaging agent. In each case, a low rate of entry of norepinephrine into the arm venous drainage (norepinephrine spillover) verified upper limb sympathectomy. Data were compared with those from the interventricular septum of patients with cardiac sympathetic denervation associated with pure autonomic failure and from normal volunteers. RESULTS: All four patients with bilateral sympathectomy had low septal myocardial 6-[18F]fluorodopamine-derived radioactivity (2,673 +/- 92 nCi-kg/cc-mCi at an average of 89 minutes after injection) compared with normal volunteers (3,634 +/- 311 nCi-kg/cc-mCi at 83 minutes, N = 22, P = .007) and higher radioactivity than in patients with pure autonomic failure (1,320 +/- 300 nCi-kg/cc-mCi at 83 minutes, N = 7, P = .003). Patients with unilateral sympathectomy had normal 6-[18F]fluorodopamine-derived radioactivity (3,971 +/- 337 nCi-kg/cc-mCi at 87 minutes). CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral upper thoracic sympathectomy partly decreases cardiac sympathetic innervation density.

Aberrant regeneration following sympathectomy - Frey's Syndrome

Physiological gustatory facial sweating and flushing commonly occur in response to eating spicy foods containing capsacin. This response, combined with salivation, lacrimation, and nasal secretion occurs more easily in warm climates where sweat glands are already at a subthreshold level of excitaiton for thermal sweating (Lee 1954).
The pattern is symmetrical with sweating involving the head and exceptionally the neck, and with flushing most apparent in the nose and cheek (Haxton 1948; Monro 1959, Fox et al. 1962; Drummond and Lance 1987).
Aberrant regeneration following sympathectomy can give rise to pathological gustatory facial flushing and sweating. Weeks, months, or years after cervicothoracic preganglionic sympathectomy, gustatory sweating and flushing may develop on the denervated side along with impaired thermoregulatory sweating. (Bloor 1969; Kurchin at al. 1977)
Sympathetic preganglionic fibers originally destined for the salivary glands may be responsible through faulty reinnervation of the stellate ganglion... (Bloor, 1969; Drummond and Lance 1987).
Interruption of postganglionic sympathetic facial fibers may render residual neurilemmal sheaths and sympathetic endings susceptible to stray collateral sprouting or faulty regeneration of parasympathetic fibers that normally mediate salivation.

Pathological gustatory sweating and flushing can develop
after injury to preganglionic cervicothoracie sympathetic fibres, an
unavoidable consequence of resecting that part of the sympathetic chain. The
mechanism of this abnormal response is uncertain; conceivably, though,
regeneration of injured salivatory fibres or collateral sprouting from nearby
intact fibres creates aberrant connections between salivatory fibres and
denervated vasomotor and sudomotor neurons in the superior cervical ganglion. 7
Commands to salivate would then be translated into commands to sweat and flush
in the distribution of sympathetic denervation. Cross-innervation lower down in
the stellate ganglion can also produce unusual and potentially distressing
autonomic disturbances in the sympathetically denervated arm (e.g.
piloerection while eating)
P.D.DRUMMOND
School of Psychology, Murdoch University,
South Street, Murdoch,

Chronic Idiopathic Anhidrosis - Consequence of Sympathectomy

Chronic Idiopathic Anhidrosis is a syndrome of unknown etiology - a heat intolerance that correlates with generalized or regional sweating defects.

gustatory sweating occurred in 32% of patients

The questionnaire was returned by 96% of patients after a median of 17 months. Overall, gustatory sweating occurred in 32% of patients, and the incidence was significantly associated with extent of sympathectomy (p = 0.04). However, because the extent of sympathectomy was always decided by the location of primary hyperhidrosis, the latter may also explain the risk of gustatory sweating.



Gustatory Side Effects After Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy

Peter B. Licht MD, PhDCorresponding Author Contact Information, E-mail The Corresponding Author and Hans K. Pilegaard MD

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Skejby Sygehus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark

Copyright © 2006 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Published by Elsevier Inc.

http://ats.ctsnetjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/81/3/1043

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T11-4J963XN-1R&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=7cad987402b12485375284dc221ec19b

NE Loss Causes Motor Impairment

Norepinephrine loss produces more profound motor deficits than MPTP treatment in mice

K. S. Rommelfanger*, G. L. Edwards{dagger}, K. G. Freeman{dagger}, L. C. Liles*, G. W. Miller{ddagger}, and D. Weinshenker*,§

Departments of *Human Genetics and {ddagger}Environmental and Occupational Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322; and {dagger}Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602

Edited by Richard D. Palmiter, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, and approved June 25, 2007 (received for review March 27, 2007)


http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/104/34/13804

NE Loss Causes Motor Impairment. We suggest two possible mechanisms for the motor impairments of Dbh–/– and LC-lesioned mice. SI Fig. 6).

Depression of T cell immunity following chemical sympathectomy

Alterations in Sympathetic Noradrenergic Innervation in Lymphoid ...

Sympathetic neural modulation of the immune system. I. Depression of T cell immunity in vivo and in vitro following chemical sympathectomy. Brain Behav. ...
www.annalsnyas.org/cgi/content/full/840/1/262

depletion of brain noradrenaline levels causes a disturbance in cerebral microvascular tone

Thirty male Wistar rats, weighing 350 to 400 gm each, received stereotactic injections of 6-hydroxydopamine (300 micrograms/kg) into the left lateral ventricle. The same amount of saline was injected into a control group of 15 rats. Seven days after this procedure, cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured by the hydrogen clearance method. A hypertensive condition at a mean arterial pressure of about 160 mm Hg was maintained for 1 hour by intravenous infusion of phenylephrine. In the 6-hydroxydopamine-treated group, CBF increased significantly after the elevation of systemic blood pressure compared with that in the control group, and cerebral autoregulation was impaired. After a 1-hour study, the specific gravity of the cerebral tissue in the treated group significantly decreased; electron microscopic studies at that time revealed brain edema. It is suggested that depletion of brain noradrenaline levels causes a disturbance in cerebral microvascular tone and renders the cerebral blood vessels more vulnerable to hypertension.
AuthorsH Kobayashi, M Hayashi, H Kawano, Y Handa, M Kabuto, H Ide (Affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Fukui Medical School, Matsuoka, Japan.)
JournalJournal of neurosurgery (J Neurosurg) Vol. 75 Issue 6 Pg. 906-10 (Dec 1991) ISSN: 0022-3085 UNITED STATES
PMID1941119 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

American Institute for Hyperhidrosis claims to cure anxiety and palpitations with ETS

Palpitations caused by anxiety can be significantly reduced.


Migraine occurrence and trembling of the hands may improve.

(They also claim, that Copensatory Hyperhidorsis is)
"tolerable by most patients and only 5% describe it as troublesome. Some patients say it improves with time."

http://www.handsweat.com/sideeff.html


There has been no clinical evaluation of the severity of the so called CS to this day. Surgeons who perform the surgery and profit from it claim it to be close to insignificant..that even improves with time. Other sources will state 90% of severe CS, and 25% disabling CS. Surely it can not be just a question of semantics when you have a 25% chance of being disabled after an elective surgery!
Doctors are unable to support their claims about the positive outcomes of the surgery. There has been no controlled trial to support their positive advertising, and it is left solely to the discretion of the surgeon to admit or deny the incidence and severity of the side-effects.

permanent sympathetic nerve damage and hyperthermia due to sympathectomy

"Virtual sympathectomy" secondary to repeated stellate ganglion nerve blocks leading to permanent sympathetic nerve damage and hyperthermia (heat leakage)"
www.rsdrx.com/crps_and_sympathectomy.htm 

acute response to surgical denervation and abrupt release of sympathetic tone

Intraoperative predictability of successful outcome depends on monitoring of the acute response to surgical denervation and abrupt release of sympathetic tone.

Information on the long-term physiological sequelae is emerging rapidly. Preoperatively, in addition to abnormal sudomotor control, sympathetic cardiovascular regulation may be affected mildly in severe cases of hyperhidrosis. A blunted reflex bradycardia response to parasympathomimetic maneuvers such as Valsalva maneuver or cold water face immersion, as well as an increased heart rate response
to orthostatic stress, suggests a hyperfunctioning sympathetic discharge that is reversed after ETS.25,69 Because sympathetic cardiac accelerator fibers exit the spinal cord from segments T1 to T4, ETS is believed to simulate a mild physiological !-adrenergic blockade.70 This is because the heart rate at rest and during maximal exercise is lower 6 weeks postoperatively

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF HYPERHIDROSIS,  CONCISE REVIEW FOR CLINICIANS
Mayo Clin Proc.     •     May 2005;80(5):657-666 

denervation supersensitivity of alpha receptors after sympathectomy

There is, however, considerable risk of developing a post-sympathectomy pain syndrome that may be the result of a denervation supersensitivity of alpha receptors.
www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/.../Complex%20Regional%20Pain%20Syndrome-1...

Paradoxically it has been suggested that in some cases there may be abnormal vasoconstriction rather than the expected vasodilatation after sympathectomy. 
                  ats.ctsnetjournals.org/cgi/content/full/84/3/1025
 

 

compensatory disease may not be immediate after sympathectomy

Newer techniques include the use of clips instead of complete transsection of the nerve but reversal is not always possible as nerve destruction can be quick and compensatory disease may not be immediate.

The main complications with sympathectomy include compensatory sweating, phantom sweating, gustatory sweating, Horner syndrome, and neuralgia.

Management of Hyperhidrosis

Aamir Haider, Nowell Solish and Nicholas J. Lowe
www.sweatclinicsofcanada.com/Book.pdf

This injures all the neurons at this level of the spinal cord, some of which may die, and may predispose the patient to spinal cord reorganization and severe compensatory hyperhidrosis

Sympathectomy vs sympathotomy. Sympathectomy, with use of ganglionectomy and by definition, must sever the primary axon from the neuron in the intermediolateral cell column of the spinal cord (red) before primary or collateral synapse in the T2 ganglion. This injures all the neurons at this level of the spinal cord, some of which may die, and may predispose the patient to spinal cord reorganization and severe compensatory hyperhidrosis. Sympathotomy interrupts only axons after potential T2 ganglion synapses, a less injurious effect on the neuron, and is the least destructive procedure possible with successful treatment
of palmar hyperhidrosis.
Mayo Clin Proc 2003;78:167-172.   http://www.mayoclinic.org/medicalprofs/enlargeimage5096.html

Sensory nerves impair sympathetic reinnervation and recovery of smooth muscle function

We conclude that sensory nerves limit the extent of sympathetic reinnervation and functional recovery that can occur following neonatal sympathetic denervation.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1397180

Sympathectomy alters bone architecture

These data indicate that guanethidine-induced sympathectomy caused a negative balance of bone metabolism, leading to decreased mass by regulating deposition rather than resorption during modeling and remodeling of bone.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18449939

obliteration of the cervical sympathetic peripheral innervation impairs the capability to produce an induced febrile response.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165572809000575

reduction in hypothalamic dopamine after sympathectomy, which leads to an increase in serum prolactin level

At this point, it is particularly interesting to recall the earlier reports of middle ear bone remodeling in the gerbil after chemical sympathectomy by guanethidine sulfate (86) or hydroxydopamine (85). Although these neurotoxins do eliminate sympathetic activity, there are, in parallel, major central consequences. In particular, both treatments reduce hypothalamic dopamine, which leads to an increase in serum prolactin levels.
http://ajpendo.physiology.org/content/293/5/E1224.full

"Again, patients admitted with any malignancy, cholecystectomy, thyroidectomy, renal disease, cardiac disease, sympathectomy, or vascular graft were eliminated as controls."

This article reviews the evidence that neuroleptics may increase the risk of breast cancer via their effects on prolactin secretion.
Paul M. Schyve; Francine Smithline; Herbert Y. Meltzer
Neuroleptic-induced Prolactin Level Elevation and Breast Cancer: An Emerging Clinical Issue
Arch Gen Psychiatry, Nov 1978; 35: 1291 - 1301.

Body temperature is highly correlated with plasma prolactin in thermally stressed men
(78), suggesting that normal heat defense is associated with decreased central dopamine, and
intraventricular haloperidol produces a coordinated heat-defense response (79). These reports refute a
unique or essential role for central dopamine antagonism in neuroleptic malignant syndrome hyperthermia
and provide additional evidence that state-dependent factors are important mediators of dopamine
antagonist effects.

There is substantial evidence to support the hypothesis that dysregulated sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity is responsible for most, if not all, features of neuroleptic malignant syndrome. A predisposition to more extreme sympathetic nervous system activation and/or dysfunction in response to emotional or psychological stress may constitute a trait vulnerability for neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which, when coupled with state variables such as acute psychic distress or dopamine receptor antagonism, produces the clinical syndrome of neuroleptic malignant syndrome. This hypothesis provides a more comprehensive explanation for existing clinical data than do the current alternatives.

http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/156/2/169

dural blood flow decreased significantly in the cervical sympathectomy group

Migraine may affect the autonomic nervous system, but the mechanisms remain unclear. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems may play different roles in the attack. To explore the effect of blocking the cervical sympathetic nerve on vasodilation of the meningeal vessels, jugular vein calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and meningeal blood flow changes were measured before and after transection of the cervical sympathetic nerve by electrically stimulating the trigeminal ganglion in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. We found that CGRP level and meningeal blood flow increased in both the sham-operated and sympathectomized groups (p<0.05). Compared with the sham-operated group, dural blood flow decreased significantly in the cervical sympathectomy group, but CGRP level was not significantly different between these two groups. The cervical sympathetic nerve may play an important role in the process of neurogenic dural vasodilation in rats; this effect is not entirely dependent on CGRP level.
http://www.autonomicneuroscience.com/article/S1566-0702%2811%2900026-9/abstract

Effects of upper abdominal sympathectomy on gastric acid, serum gastrin, and catecholamines

Selective upper abdominal sympathectomy increased basal acid output in rats but was without effect on stimulated acid output, serum gastrin concentration, and gastric mucosal histidine decarboxylase activity. The sympathectomy was verified by fluorescence histochemistry and determination of tissue catecholamines. A drastic reduction in tissue noradrenaline, adrenaline, and dopamine levels occurred after sympathectomy, and fluorescence microscopy showed a complete loss of adrenergic nerve fibers. Vagotomy reduced catecholamine levels in the stomach wall by 50% but did not affect the catecholamine content in the pancreas and small bowel. Surprisingly, combined vagotomy and upper abdominal sympathectomy resulted in lower catecholamine levels than sympathectomy alone in extragastric but not in gastric tissues.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6515311

Extreme caution is called for when considering surgical sympathectomy

Surgical sympathectomy is carried out on the basis of poor quality evidence, studies without
control groups, and personal experience. Though it would appear logical (and has been
suggested) that surgical sympathectomy is indicated primarily for patients with confirmed
'sympathetic-dependent pain, other authors take the view that the treatment results are
not correlated to this. Eighteen percent of patients undergoing sympathectomy for
neuropathic pain experience compensatory hyperhidrosis and 25% experience neuropathic
complications.
Extreme caution is called for when considering surgical sympathectomy for pain control in
CRPS-I. The procedure should be conducted in the context of a trial in order to ascertain
the efficacy and potential risks.
Guideline
INITIATIVE:
Netherlands Society of Rehabilitation Specialists
Netherlands Society of Anaesthesiologists

WITH THE SUPPORT OF:
Institute for Healthcare Improvement CBO
www.cbo.nl/Downloads/341/rl_crps_eng_07.pdf

lumbar sympathectomy results in loss of ejaculation

Sympathectomy for the long term management of such patients has been carried out (Abel et al., 1974) and success reported. Loss of ejaculation does follow sympathectomy but his is a minor problem in patients who have an already destroyed sacral cord. (p. 410)

During fever pyrogen is released from leucocytes and his agent causes the disturbed thermoregulation (Atkinson, 1960). For his response to occur, an intact efferent sympathetic system is requred because fever can be markedly reduced by bilateral sympathectomy in he cat (Pinkston, 1935). (p.193)
The autonomic nervous system: an introduction to basic and clinical concepts By Otto Appenzeller, Emilio Oribe, Elsevier Health Sciences, 1997 - Medical

significant change after sympathectomy: reduced sympathetic and increased vagal tone

The HRV analysis showed a significant change of indices reflecting sympatho-vagal balance indicating significantly reduced sympathetic (LF) and increased vagal (HF, rMSSD) tone. These changes still persisted after 2 years. Global HRV increased over time with significant elevation of SDANN after 2 years. QT dispersion was significantly reduced 1 month after surgery and the dispersion was further diminished 2 years later.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167527399001011

Sympathectomy leads to a decrease in noradrenaline levels in the cerebral cortex

Chemical Sympathectomy leads to a decrease in noradrenaline levels measured in the cerebral cortex. (Onesti at al. 1989)

brain levels of norepinephrine were reduced significantly

EFFECT OF 6-HYDROXYDOPAMINE ON BRAIN NOREPINEPHRINE AND DOPAMINE: EVIDENCE FOR SELECTIVE DEGENERATION OF CATECHOLAMINE NEURONS

George R. Breese 1 and Dennis Traylor 1

1 Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology and the Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

After the intracisternal administration of 6-hydroxydopamine, brain levels of norepinephrine were reduced significantly with or without pargyline pretreatment. Depletion of dopamine in the central nervous system was found to be enhanced markedly by pargyline administration at higher dose levels of 6-hydroxydopamine. Brain serotonin concentrations were not altered. The effects of 6-hydroxydopamine were long-lasting with the depletion of brain amines persisting at 78 days. After norepinephrine-H3 intracisternally to animals treated with 6-hydroxydopamine, labeled norepinephrine uptake was diminished with a corresponding reduction of deaminated catechols and a marked increased in methylated amines. Tyrosine hydroxylase activity was found to be reduced in brainstem, caudate nucleus and whole brain in 6-hydroxydopamine-treated animals. Conversion of tyrosine-H3 to labeled norepinephrine and dopamine was also markedly diminished. The results support the view that 6-hydroxydopamine produces a "central sympathectomy" when introduced into cerebrospinal fluid.

Journal of Pharmacology And Experimental Therapeutics, Vol. 174, Issue 3, 413-420, 1970
Copyright © 1970 by American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics

sympathectomy impairing adrenergic transmission

The chronic bilateral cervical superior sympathectomy could provoke norepinephrine depletion in the small granular vesicles of the sympathetic terminals, impairing adrenergic transmission; this would then eliminate the constrictor sympathetic effect13. Our study is in agreement with published data where pharmacological or anatomical exclusion of the sympathetic activity prevented vasospasm24.

Antônio Tadeu de Souza FaleirosI; Francisco Humberto de Abreu MaffeiII; Luiz Antonio de Lima ResendeIII

IServices of Neurosurgery, Botucatu School of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
IIVascular Surgery, Botucatu School of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
IIINeurology, Botucatu School of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil

marked changes in brain NE following sympathectomy

Biochemical and functional evaluation of the sympathectomy produced by the administration of guanethidine to newborn rats

EM Johnson , E Cantor and JR Douglas

The administration of guanethidine to newborn rats has been shown by morphological criteria to destroy sympathetic neurons. Newborn rats were injected with guanethidine (50-100 mg/kg/day for 20 days). Upon maturation (at 10 weeks old), the degree of destruction of the sympathetic nervous system (sympathectomy) was assessed. Marked decreases (80-98%) in the norepinephrine concentration in several tissues (heart, spleen, intestine, mesentery, kidney, uterus, vas deferens) were observed in the guanethidine-treated rats when compared to saline-treated controls. No changes were observed in the epinephrine concentration in the adrenals or in the norepinephrine levels in whole brain. Analysis of brain areas showed no change in the norepinephrine levels in brain stem and cerebrum and a small (18%) decrease in the cerebellum. Stimulation of the sympathetic vasomotor outflow in the pithed rat preparation produced almost no response in guanethidine- treated animals. Periarterial nerve stimulation of the isolated perfused kidney preparation also produced essentially no response in guanethidine-treated animals. Isolated intestinal preparations from guanethidine-treated animals responded to nerve stimulation with contractions rather than relaxation as seen in preparations from control animals. Isolated vas deferens preparations responded normally to nerve stimulation despite a 95% decrease in tissue norepinephrine concentration. These data indicate that administration of guanethidine to newborn rats produces a more complete peripheral sympathectomy, especially of the vasculature, than immunosympathectomy or neonatal administration of 6-hydroxydopamine and does so with no significant effect on central noradrenergic neurons.

Volume 193, Issue 2, pp. 503-512, 05/01/1975
Copyright © 1975 by American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics

the adrenergic system in regulation of the metabolism of the retina

Stefan M. Pojda1 Contact Information and Ryszard Brus2

(1) Department of Ophthalmology, Silesian Academy of Medicine, Francuska str. 20/24, 40-027 Katowice, Poland
(2) Department of Pharmacology, Silesian Academy of Medicine, Zabrze 8, Poland

Received: 16 April 1976

Summary Male Wistar rats were injected intraventricularly with two doses of 250 mcg of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in two consecutive days. Two weeks later the oxygen uptake, anaerobic glycolysis and lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the retina were determined. The decrease of oxygen uptake (–28 %), anaerobic glycolysis (–31 %) and LDH activity (–12 %) in rats treated with 6-OHDA in comparison to control animals was found. The possible role of the adrenergic system in regulation of the metabolism of the retina is discussed.

Heightened emotions cause experiences to crystallize into lasting and vivid memories

Emotional memory.(NEUROSCIENCE)(effect of Norepinephrine to memory)(Brief article)

Where were you on Sept. 11, 20017 Or when the shuttle Challenger exploded in 19867 Heightened emotions cause experiences to crystallize into lasting and vivid memories. This boost in memory formation is due in part to the stress hormone norepinephrine, but scientists haven't understood how the hormone causes this effect.

Now researchers have uncovered molecular changes triggered by norepinephrine that help nerve cells form new memories.

A team led by Roberto Malinow of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York traced the hormone's effects to a receptor molecule called glutamate receptor 1 (G1uR1) on the surfaces of nerve cells. Through G1uR1 and similar receptors, ... http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-170372501.html

brain norepinephrine turnover, and memory and the need for Power

David C. McClelland1 Contact Information, J. Anderson Maddocks1 and Dan P. McAdams1, 2

(1) Department of Psychology and Social Relations, Harvard University, 33 Kirkland Street, 02138 Cambridge, Massachusetts
(2) Present address: Loyola University of Chicago, USA
Abstract Subjects were classified according to whether they were high or low in the need for Power and high or low in gain in 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), a putative index of brain norepinephrine (NE) turnover, after engaging in some tasks that involved memory for story content. Subjects who were high inn Power and in the index of brain NE turnover showed better recall of power-related facts than subjects low on both these characteristics, confirming an earlier finding, which suggests that the need for Power is subserved by a noradrenergic reward system in the brain.

JournalMotivation and Emotion
PublisherSpringer Netherlands
ISSN0146-7239 (Print) 1573-6644 (Online)
IssueVolume 9, Number 1 / March, 1985
DOI10.1007/BF00991546
Pages1-10
Subject CollectionBehavioral Science
SpringerLink DateMonday, January 10, 2005

Norepinephrine

Doze said the adrenergic system — one of the essential neurochemical systems in the brain — synthesizes and controls the release of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (also known as noradrenalin).

Norepinephrine works in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. It’s responsible for many critical functions, but in this context, its key functions in the central nervous system include sleep, emotions, learning, and memory.

Probing the deepest levels of brain chemistry to uncover clues to memory loss

By Juan Miguel Pedraza

A neurotransmitter involved in emotional arousal enhances learning

A neurotransmitter involved in emotional arousal enhances learning by phosphorylating glutamate receptors.

Do you remember the song that was playing during your first kiss? Both positive and negative emotions influence learning and memory but researchers have not determined the mechanism. Now Hu et al. report that the neurotransmitter norepinephrine regulates glutamate receptor trafficking in a recent article in Cell.

Axon terminals containing norepinephrine synapse in the hippocampus and amygdala, which are important in emotional memory. In the hippocampus, norepinephrine reduces the threshold for long-term potentiation (LTP), which is thought to be a substrate of memory. Norepinephrine acts at beta-adrenergic receptors, where it activates cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). These kinases phosphorylate serines 845 and 831, respectively, in the AMPA glutamate receptor type 1 (GluR1). The authors proposed that norepinephrine regulates learning by phosphorylating AMPA receptors.

Hu, H. et al. Emotion enhances learning via norepinephrine regulation of AMPA-receptor trafficking. Cell 131, 160–173 (2007). | Article | PubMed |



Emotional intelligence

Neuroscience Gateway (October 2007) | doi:10.1038/aba1787

The excitatory actions of epinephrine were not observed

The excitatory actions of epinephrine were not observed in groups given an identical dose of the hormone after peripheral β-adrenergic receptor blockade with sotalol. These findings demonstrate that neural discharge in vagal afferent fibers is increased by elevations in peripheral concentrations of epinephrine and the significance of these findings in understanding how epinephrine modulates brain limbic structures to encode and store new information into memory is discussed.

Epinephrine administration increases neural impulses propagated along the vagus nerve: Role of peripheral β-adrenergic receptors

T. Miyashita and C.L. Williams

aDepartment of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA

bDepartment of Psychology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA


Received 9 June 2005;
revised 17 August 2005;
accepted 29 August 2005.
Available online 17 October 2005.

arousal related hormone affects memory processing

A significant number of animal and human studies demonstrate that memories for new experiences are encoded more effectively under environmental or laboratory conditions which elevate peripheral concentrations of the hormone epinephrine and in turn, induce emotional arousal. Although this phenomenon has been replicated across several learning paradigms, understanding of how this arousal related hormone affects memory processing remains obscure because epinephrine does not freely enter into the central circulation to produce any direct effects on the brain. This study examined whether epinephrine’s actions on the CNS may be mediated by the initial activation of peripheral vagal fibers that project to the brain.

Epinephrine administration increases neural impulses propagated along the vagus nerve: Role of peripheral β-adrenergic receptors

T. Miyashitaa and C.L. Williamsb,

aDepartment of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA

bDepartment of Psychology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA


Received 9 June 2005;
revised 17 August 2005;
accepted 29 August 2005.
Available online 17 October 2005.

The role of norepinephrine in spatial reference and spatial working memory

The role of norepinephrine in spatial reference and spatial working memory

The adrenergic system (utilizing norepinephrine, NE, as a neurotransmitter) is implicated in hippocampus-based learning and memory, in addition to its well known peripheral actions mediated by the sympathetic nervous system.
Michael J. Gertner, University of Pennsylvania
Steven A. Thomas, University of Pennsylvania
http://repository.upenn.edu/curej/18/

Norepinephrine Important In Retrieving Memories

Norepinephrine Important In Retrieving Memories

Source: U. Of Pennsylvania Medical Center
Date: 2 April 2004

In addition, beta-blockers, which are used to treat heart failure and hypertension (among other ailments) block the same norepinephrine receptors important for memory retrieval. Therefore, when treating heart disease, the use of beta blockers that do not cross into the brain may help to avoid memory-related side effects, suggest the researchers.

The findings of this research appear in the April 2 issue of Cell.

Causes of Orthostatic Hypotension

Causes of Orthostatic Hypotension:

Neurologic (involving autonomic dysfunction) -
Surgical sympathectomy

http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec07/ch069/ch069d.html

NE levels and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

CSF Norepinephrine Concentrations in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Thomas D. Geracioti, Jr., M.D.
Dewleen G. Baker, M.D.
Nosakhare N. Ekhator, M.S.
Scott A. West, M.D.
Kelly K. Hill, M.D.
Ann B. Bruce, M.D.
Dennis Schmidt, Ph.D.
Barbara Rounds-Kugler, R.N.
Rachel Yehuda, Ph.D.
Paul E. Keck, Jr., M.D.
John W. Kasckow, M.D., Ph.D.
Objective: Despite evidence of hyperresponsive peripheral and central nervous system (CNS) noradrenergic activity in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), direct measures of CNS norepinephrine in PTSD have been lacking. The goal of this study was to determine serial CSF norepinephrine levels in patients with PTSD.
Method: CSF samples were obtained serially over a 6-hour period in 11 male combat veterans with chronic PTSD and eight healthy men through an indwelling subarachnoid catheter. Thus the authors were able to determine hourly CSF norepinephrine concentrations under base-
line (unstressed) conditions. Severity of the patients’ PTSD symptoms was assessed with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale.
Results: CSF norepinephrine concentrations were significantly higher in the men
with PTSD than in the healthy men. Moreover, CSF norepinephrine levels strongly and
positively correlated with the severity of PTSD symptoms. Plasma norepinephrine concentrations showed no significant relationship with the severity of PTSD symptoms.
Conclusions: These findings reveal the presence of greater CNS noradrenergic activity under baseline conditions in patients with chronic PTSD than in healthy subjects and directly link this pathophysiologic observation with the severity of the clinical posttraumatic stress syndrome.
(Am J Psychiatry 2001; 158:1227–1230)

Alterations in T and B cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro following chemical sympathectomy

Madden, K.S., Moynihan, J.A., Brenner, G.J., Felten, S.Y., Felten, D.L. and Livnat, S. (1994b).:Sympathetic nervous system modulation of the immune system. III. Alterations in T and B cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro following chemical sympathectomy. J. Neuroimmunol. 49: 77-87.

reduced antibody responses to T-dependent antigens

It has been exhaustively demonstrated that the regions in which lymphocytes T cells reside, and through which they recirculate, receive direct sympathetic neural input. Therefore, the immune system can be considered “hard-wired” to the brain. Chemical sympathectomy of adult mice resulted in reduced antibody responses to T-dependent antigens. The interaction between sympathetic NA nerve fibers and cells of the immune system has been shown through the distribution of tyrosine hydrolase (TH+) nerve fibers among lymphocytes and macrophages in lymphoid organs, the expression of adrenoceptors on cells of the immune system, and the immunomodulatory effects of NA. In old rats, a conspicuous decline in NA innervation and NA contents is observed in the splenic white pulp as well as in the cell bodies in superior celiac-mesenteric ganglia that provide preganglionic sympathetic innervation to the spleen (Arnason, 1993; Carlson, Fox et al., 1997; Madden. Felten et al., 1994a; Roszman and Carlson, 1991). Paralleling these alterations in sympathetic NA neuronal activity is an age-related loss of T cell mediated immune responses, including reduced T cell proliferation and IL-2 production by antigen- and mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes. Treatment of these rats with drugs inducing noradrenergic regeneration and re-innervation reverted the rats’ immune abnormalities (Tang, Shankar et al., 1999; Thyaga-Rajan, Madden et al., 1999). Noradrenergic innervation of the spleen is responsible for a significant increase of gamma-interferon, IL-2 and tumor necrosis factor alpha, the three Th-1 cytokines, and a lowering of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 (TH-2 cytokines) production (Carlson, Fox et al., 1997; Madden, Moynihan et al., 1994b; Spengler, Allen et al., 1990). Other evidence showed that elevated plasma NA concentrations increased the level of Th-1 cytokines (Kappel, Poulsen et al., 1998; Ross, Williams et al., 1987). These and other findings demonstrate that the noradrenergic innervation of bone marrow is functionally dynamic and is responsive to central activation. Furthermore, these results lend credence to the premise that neural mechanisms participate in regulating lymphopoietic cellular events.

VOL. 31, NOS. 5 & 6, 2000 JOURNAL OF MEDICINE

JOURNAL OF MEDICINE

Copyright © 2000 by

PJD Publications Limited

The hepatic sympathetic nerve

Mortality in sympathectomised mice was significantly higher than that in sham operated mice following administration of Jo-2. This result was also supported by apoptosis data in which sympathectomised livers exhibited a significant elevation in the number of apoptotic hepatocytes and caspase-3 activity after Jo-2 treatment compared with sham operated livers. Moreover, pretreatment with norepinephrine dose dependently inhibited the hepatic sympathectomy induced increase in mortality after Jo-2 injection. Antiapoptotic protein levels of FLICE inhibitory protein, Bcl-xL, and Bcl-2 in the liver were significantly lower in sympathectomised mice at one and two hours following Jo-2 treatment than in sham operated animals. In addition, interleukin 6 supplementation dose dependently suppressed the hepatic sympathectomy induced increase in mortality after Jo-2 treatment.

The hepatic sympathetic nerve plays a critical role in preventing Fas induced liver injury in mice

Y Chida1, N Sudo1, A Takaki2, C Kubo1

1 Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
2 Department of Integrative Physiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan

Dr Y Chida
Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan

The sympathoadrenal system is one of the major pathways mediating physiological responses in the organism

The sympathoadrenal system is one of the major pathways mediating physiological responses in the organism. The sympathoadrenal system plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure, glucose, sodium and other key physiological and metabolic processes. In many disease states, the sympathoadrenal system is affected and by corrective physiological responses the sympathoadrenal system preserves homeostasis. Many therapeutic agents are either adrenergic activators or inhibitors. Therefore, measurements of the components of the sympathoadrenal system and the activity of the sympathoadrenal system have been of major interest for decades.
Levels of plasma (p-) noradrenaline (NA), the sympathetic neurotransmitter, have been used to indicate activity of the neuronal sympathoadrenal component, while adrenaline (Adr) levels indicate activity of the hormonal adrenomedullary component of the sympathoadrenal system (Christensen 1991, Goldstein 1995, Christensen & Norsk 2000).

Based upon the absence of an arterio-venous increase in p-DOPA concentration in sympathectomized limbs and a decrease in p-DOPA after inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in dogs, it was concluded that DOPA can pass across sympathetic neuronal membranes to reach the general circulation and furthermore, that p-DOPA may be related to regional rate of tyrosine hydroxylation (Goldstein et al 1987a). P-DOPA only demonstrated minimal changes during stimuli that produced significant changes in p-NA. Due to partly parallel changes of p-NA and p-DOPA, however, it was believed that p-DOPA reflect the rate of catecholamine synthesis and that p-DOPA was a simple and direct index of TH activity in vivo (Eisenhofer et al 1988, Goldstein & Eisenhofer 1988, Garty et al 1989b). It was inferred that p-DOPA levels may be an index of sympathetic activity.

Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Herlev University Hospital, Herlev.

Correspondence: Ebbe Eldrup, Bolbrovænge 29, DK-2960 Rungsted Kyst.

Official opponents: Jens H. Henriksen, professor, MD, and Jan Abrahamsen, MD.

Dan Med Bull 2004;51:34-62.