Human ceruminous gland innervation

Human ceruminous glands have been examined for the presence of adrenergic nerves using the histofluorescence method according to Falck and Hillarp, and immunohistochemistry for the presence of peptidergic nerves. The effect of adrenaline, alpha- and beta-blockers have been tested in vivo. No adrenergic or peptidergic nerves could be seen innervating the ceruminous glands. In spite of that, the glands reacted to local administration of adrenaline. This adrenaline effect could be blocked by alpha-blockers but not by beta-blockers. The cerumnious glands seem to possess alpha-adrenergic receptors, possibly capable of reacting with circulating catecholamines.