Reduction of [3H]substance P binding in the intermediolateral cell column after sympathectomy.

Guanethidine-induced destruction of sympathetic postganglionic neurons in neonatal rats leads to transneuronal degeneration of the sympathetic preganglionic neurons. Using this model, we have been able to show a approximately 35% decrease in [3H]substance P ([3H]SP) binding in the intermediolateral cell column--suggesting that sympathetic preganglionic neurons possess substance P receptors. Our results show that [3H]substance P binding in the intermediolateral cell column is dependent on the integrity of sympathetic postganglionic neurons.