Peripheral sympathetic nerve terminal

Peripheral sympathetic nerve terminals are the specialized endings of postganglionic sympathetic neurons that deliver autonomic signals to peripheral organs and tissues. These structures are the sites where neurotransmitters (mainly norepinephrine, but also acetylcholine in sweat glands and dopamine in kidneys) are released to modulate functions such as vascular tone, heart rate, glandular secretion, and other involuntary physiological responses. Alterations in the function or integrity of these nerve terminals underlie many diseases with autonomic features, but these terminals themselves are not drug targets—their activity is modulated by targeting their neurotransmitter systems or the receptors on postsynaptic cells.

Other names

Sympathetic nerve endingPostganglionic sympathetic fiber terminal

Inhibition or enhancement of neurotransmitter release (e.g. reserpine depletes norepinephrine by blocking its vesicular storage; amphetamines promote release). Receptor blockade or activation on target cells (e.g., adrenergic blockers/agonists).