Peripheral effector functions of sensory axons

Traditionally regarded as conduits for afferent information, selected sensory axons can also act as peripheral effector units by releasing neurotransmitters and neuropeptides from their peripheral terminals. These local actions can regulate vascular tone, vascular permeability, immune-cell activity, inflammation, tissue repair, and, in specific organs, contractile function. This mini-review builds on the presentation “The Motor Function of the Sensory Axon,” delivered at the International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, held in San Diego, California, on September 4th, 2025. As part of a collection documenting scientific contributions from the meeting, it preserves and shares the key concepts presented on the peripheral effector functions of sensory axons. This review explores the efferent-like functions of sensory axons in biological processes, including neurogenic inflammation, peripheral immune modulation, and vascular control, in the context of animal physiology and disease. These actions are distinguished from the conventional sensory contribution to reflexes and motor control, which requires central synaptic processing and motor-neuron output.