Possible mechanism of adrenergic and nonadrenergic inhibition in intestinal smooth muscle cells

Abstract

Nonadrenergic synaptic transmission in circular and longitudinal smooth muscles of caecum preexposed to K-free solution for 4-5 h has been studied by means of sucrose gap technique. In addition, the effects of noradrenaline (NA) and ATP on these muscles were investigated under these conditions. The action of the above substances was accompanied by depolarization and contraction. NA induced a decrease in the membrane resistance. Addition of 0.5 mM Ba2+ to K-free solution intensified the depolarization. 1 mM of Mn2+ blocked depolarization and contraction. Intramural stimulation produced noncholinergic e.j.p.s blocked by TTX. Addition of 0.5 mM Ba2+ increased their amplitude. A reversal potential of both NA-induced depolarization and e.j.p. was in the range of + 10 to + 20 mV. It is supposed that e.j.p.s and depolarization observed in response to ATP and NA action are due to an increase in calcium permeability of the membrane.