Trigeminal reflex regulation of sympathetic neural communication strategies in human muscle sympathetic nerve activity

American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 2026

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Authors: Cameron M. Lynn, Nathaniel J. Iannarelli, Julia E. Spafford, Deborah O'Leary, Stephen S. Cheung, Stephen A. Klassen
DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00280.2025
Cited by: 1
References: 64

Abstract

Trigeminal reflex activation with localized facial cooling augmented human muscle sympathetic nerve activity by increasing the discharge of previously active action potentials (AP) and recruiting a subpopulation of larger previously silent APs. Also, trigeminal reflex activation reduced the latency of all active APs. Sympathetic AP recruitment and latency changes were associated with perceptual discomfort but not face temperature. These data advance our understanding regarding the trigeminal and perceptual mechanisms governing human sympathetic neural communication strategies.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Trigeminal Neuralgia and Treatments Heart Rate Variability and Autonomic Control Migraine and Headache Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Volume
330
Issue
4
Pages
R356–R367
Publication date
12 February 2026
Language
EN