The effect of substance P on the superior cervical ganglion of the cat.

Intra-arterial injections of substance p in doses from 10 to 30 units potentiated the response of the nictitating membrane to submaximal stimulation of the preganglionic sympathetic nerve, while higher doses (30 to 100 units) usually depressed the response. The stimulating action of acetylcholine on the superior cervical ganglion (as judged by the response of the nictitating membrane) was also potentiated by substance P. The responses of the nictitating membrane to adrenaline, noradrenaline and tyramine were potentiated by substance P as well. It is concluded that the potentiating effect of substance P on the response of the nictitating membrane to submaximal stimulation of the preganglionic sympathetic nerve is probably due to sensitization of acetylcholine receptors in the postsynaptic neurone. The present experiments do not explain how substance P potentiated the response to sympathomimetic amines.