Dual innervation of arteries and arterioles

Summary Specific histochemical techniques for the demonstration of acetylcholinesterase and of norepinephrine have been used to study the distribution of cholinergic and adrenergic nerve fibers to arteries and arterioles in various organs of cats and dogs, including the male genital apparatus, tongue, skeletal muscle, heart and gastrointestinal tract. Arteries and arterioles in all of these organs showed both cholinergic and adrenergic nerve fibers, although the relative number of each of the types of fiber was variable. The findings provide morphologic evidence for a widespread and generalized dual adrenergic and cholinergic innervation of arteries and arterioles.Supported in part by Grant No. HE 10465 from the USPHS and by a grant from the Monroe County Heart Chapter.