Abstract
The sensory innervation of the human stellate ganglion (SG) was investigated using immunohistocemistry with antibodies to substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP). The distribution and number of SP immunoreactive (SP-IR) fibers in the SG were compared with those of calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP). A number of fine varicose CGRP immunoreactive (CGRP-IR) fibers were observed, and the density exceeded that of the SP-IR fibers. Some fine varicosed SP and CGRP-IR fibers lie close to the postganglionic cells. In most places which are in contact with principal cell bodies, terminal axonal branches of CGRP-IR fibers are swollen. Some CGRP-IR cell bodies were observed, but no SP-IR cell bodies were recognized.
These results suggest that the SG are innervated by sensory nerves from spinal ganglia.
