Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 1993 ; 18(4): 257-61.

[The segmental distribution of sympathetic afferent neurons of the heart, cardiac nerve, and projection of the cardiac nerve to the central nervous system]

Tao Z, Li R.

Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.

1. The HRP labeled method was used to study the segmental distribution of sympathetic afferent neurons of the heart. 10%-20% HRP 150 microliters solution was injected around the left coronary artery of 18 cats. The HRP labeled cells were observed in the C8-T10 spinal ganglions, therefore the segmental distribution of sympathetic afferent neurons of the heart were in C8-T10 spinal cord. 2. The segmental distribution of cardiac nerve's afferent neurons was studied, 30% HRP 15 microliters was injected into the cardiac nerve of 18 cats. The HRP labeled cells were observed in the C8-T9 spinal ganglions. 3. CB-HRP 10 microliters was injected into the medium and inferior cardiac nerves. The cardiac nerve's fibers project into T1-5 spinal cord, the HRP labeled fibers were observed in III-VII lamina of spinal cord, and there were connections with III, IV, V, VI, VII laminas. 4. The segmental distribution of sympathetic afferent neurons of heart and cardiac nerve, projection of the cardiac nerve the III-VII laminae of spinal cord and the connection of fibers in the III-VII laminae were the morphologic foundations of referred pain and the heart disease. (tachycordia, angina etc.) treated with acupuncture.