Over the last 20 years there has been a marked increase in the understanding of the biophysical properties of neurones in autonomic ganglia. During the same time period, there have been advances in immunohistochemistry which have shown that the autonomic ganglia are rich sources of a variety of neuroactive peptides and monoamines. Although physiological studies have underlined the role of enteric and prevertebral ganglia in the control of peristalsis and micturition, very little is known about the physiological role of many of the other autonomic ganglia.The objective of the International Brain Research Organization satellite symposium held in Edmonton, Alberta, during August 1991, was to bring together the biophysicists, morphologists, physiologists, and pharmacologists to evaluate the current status of our understanding of the autonomic ganglia. Posters and four sessions of invited talks were presented over a three-day period. The papers that appear in this issue detail the content of some of these talks.The organizers gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, the Medical Research Council of Canada, Astra Pharma Inc., the University of Alberta Conference Fund, Nordic Laboratories, Merck Frosst Canada, Axon Instruments, Novopharm Ltd., Bio-Méga Inc., Chembiomed, Newport Instruments, the City of Edmonton, Charles River Canada, and Mandel Scientific.
Key-Gaskell syndrome in Brazil: first case report
