Recording of splanchnic (sympathetic) nerve activity in conscious and anaesthetised cats

The method described allows of continuous recording of electrical activity from the splanchnic nerves of conscious unrestrained cats. The activity recorded was phasic and corresponded with respiration as reported by previous workers. Splanchnic nerve activity varied with the active state of the animal and, in general, closely paralleled changes in arterial blood pressure and heart rate. Noradrenaline administered intravenously raised arterial blood pressure but splanchnic nerve activity was depressed while acetylcholine produced the opposite effects.