title: Neuronal and non-neuronal modulation of sympathetic neurovascular transmission.
abstract: Noradrenaline, neuropeptide Y and adenosine triphosphate are co-stored in, and co-released from, sympathetic nerves. Each transmitter modulates its own release as well as the release of one another; thus, anything affecting the release of one of these transmitters has consequences for all. Neurotransmission at the sympathetic neurovascular junction is also modulated by non-sympathetic mediators such as angiotensin II, serotonin, histamine, endothelin and prostaglandins through the activation of specific pre-junctional receptors. In addition, nitric oxide (NO) has been identified as a modulator of sympathetic neuronal activity, both as a physiological antagonist against the vasoconstrictor actions of the sympathetic neurotransmitters, and also by directly affecting transmitter release. Here, we review the modulation of sympathetic neurovascular transmission by neuronal and non-neuronal mediators with an emphasis on the actions of NO. The consequences for co-transmission are also discussed, particularly in light of hypertensive states where NO availability is diminished.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, MO 63104, USA. macarthu@slu.edu
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Macarthur
authors.forename: G H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Wilken
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Westfall
authors.forename: L L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Kolo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D009569:Nitric Oxide