[Mechanism of modulating effect of histamine on the excitation and contraction of smooth muscles of the ureter]

Abstract

Experiments were carried out on smooth muscle cells (SMC) of the guinea-pig ureter by the double sucrose gap method with simultaneous recording of electrical and contractile activities. The effect of histamine on SMC was studied in normal Krebs solution and in sodium-free Krebs solution with TEA. In normal Krebs solution, histamine was shown to increase the duration of AP plateau and contraction. In sodium-free Krebs solution with TEA, the APs of ureter SMC also had a plateau that was determined by the increased calcium conduction of the membrane. In these conditions, histamine provoked a decrease in the duration of the AP plateau and contraction. The histamine effect was blocked by phencarol both in normal and sodium-free Krebs solution with TEA. A possible role of sodium, calcium and potassium ions in the modulating action of histamine on excitation of ureter SMC is discussed.