The functional distribution of uncrossed and crossed pulmonary afferent fibres in the cervical vagus nerves has been studied in the anaesthetized cat using acute and chronic unilateral pneumonectomized preparations. The heart and lungs were sympathectomiz

Tyrosine-hydroxylase immunohistochemistry demonstrated that a single injection of 120 mg/kg 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) reversibly disconnected bullfrog sympathetic ganglia from their peripheral targets. This was correlated with a decrease in sympathetic outflow to the eyes and a reversible decrease in pupil diameter. 6-OHDA did not damage the cell bodies of ganglionic neurons. Calcium channel current in ganglionic B-neurons, (measured at −10 mV; holding potential −60 mV; Ba2+ as charge carrier; IBa) was reduced. It reached a minimum of about 40% of control amplitude 7–14 days after 6-OHDA injection and recovered to 73% of control amplitude after 63 days. 6-OHDA induced loss and recovery of functional sympathetic innervation of peripheral target tissues, as determined by measurement of pupil diameter, occurred at a similar rate. Thus, pupil diameter attained minimum values 7–14 days after 6-OHDA treatment and recovered to 81% of control after 63 days. The properties of Ca2+ channels in sympathetic neurons are, therefore, determined by continuity of contact with peripheral target. 6-OHDA also decreased the peak amplitude and duration of the afterhyperpolarization (a.h.p) that follows the action potential (a.p.). The rate of recovery of a.h.p duration was more rapid than the rate of recovery of peak a.h.p. amplitude. This may reflect known differences in properties of two types of Ca2+-sensitive K+ currents, IC and IAHP. IC, which is responsible for the peak amplitude of the a.h.p has a low affinity for Ca2+, whereas IAHP, which determines a.h.p. duration, has higher Ca2+ affinity.