REORGANIZATION OF THE INNERVATION OF THE VAS-DEFERENS AFTER SYMPATHETIC DECENTRALIZATION

Reorganization of autonomic efferent pathways to the rat vas deferens was noted after chronic (30 days) sympathetic decentralization produce d by hypogastric nerve (HCN) transection. In normal rats, electrical s timulation of the HGN elicited an increase in vasal pressure (VP) bila terally, whereas pelvic nerve (PN) stimulation did not alter VP. Howev er, after unilateral HGN transection, stimulation of the PN on the tra nsected side but not on the normal side increased VP. The decentralize d vas exhibited larger VP responses to stimulation of the contralatera l HGN in comparison with the normal vas. After bilateral HGN transecti on, PN-induced VP responses were elicited at lower stimulus intensitie s than in rats with unilateral transections. PN-induced VP responses w ere blocked by hexamethonium and prazosin but were not altered by atro pine. Distension of the vas lumen occurred after decentralization. PN- induced VP responses were not detectable in extremely distended vas. T hese data indicate that, after degeneration of sympathetic preganglion ic axons, decentralized adrenergic ganglion cells are reinnervated by parasympathetic or sympathetic preganglionic pathways and that the rei nnervation influences vasal function.