Small intensely fluorescent cells (SIF cells) are the

interneurons Interneurons (also called internuncial neurons, association neurons, connector neurons, or intermediate neurons) are neurons that are not specifically motor neurons or sensory neurons. Interneurons are the central nodes of neural circuits, ena ...

of the sympathetic ganglia (postganglionic neurons) of the Sympathetic division of the

autonomic nervous system The autonomic nervous system (ANS), sometimes called the visceral nervous system and formerly the vegetative nervous system, is a division of the nervous system that operates viscera, internal organs, smooth muscle and glands. The autonomic nervo ...

(ANS). The neurotransmitter for these cells is

dopamine Dopamine (DA, a contraction of 3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine) is a neuromodulatory molecule that plays several important roles in cells. It is an organic chemical of the catecholamine and phenethylamine families. It is an amine synthesized ...

. They are a neural crest derivative and share a common sympathoadrenal precursor cell with sympathetic neurons and chromaffin cells (adrenal medulla). Although an autonomic ganglion is the site where preganglionic fibers synapse on postganglionic neurons, the presence of small interneurons has been recognized. These cells exhibit catecholamine fluorescence and are referred to as small intensely fluorescent (SIF) cells. In some ganglia, these intemeurons receive preganglionic

cholinergic Cholinergic agents are compounds which mimic the action of acetylcholine and/or butyrylcholine. In general, the word " choline" describes the various quaternary ammonium salts containing the ''N'',''N'',''N''-trimethylethanolammonium cation ...

fibers and may modulate ganglionic transmission. In other ganglia, they receive collateral branches and may serve some Integrative function. Many SIF cells contain dopamine, which Is thought to be their transmitter.

References

Further reading