The Cervical Sympathetic Trunk-Submandibular Gland Axis Modulates Neutrophil and Mast Cell Functions.

Decentralization or removal (ganglionectomy) of the superior cervical ganglia (SCG) reduces the responses of circulating neutrophils to chemotactic stimuli and attenuates the pulmonary neutrophilia that develops 8 h after antigen challenge of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis-sensitized rats. The denervation-induced modification in neutrophil function is reserved by removal of the submandibular glands. In contrast, the reduced TNF-α release from mast cells seen in both decentralized and sialadenectomized rats was abolished if both operations were performed in the same animal. Multiple mechanisms appear to exist by which the cervical sympathetic trunk-submandibular axis regulates immunological function.