Electrophysiology of neuroeffector transmission in the isolated, innervated trachea of the guinea-pig. 1986

D J McCaig

Intracellular recordings were made from cells of the guinea-pig trachealis muscle. Some cells were electrically quiescent while others exhibited spontaneous slow waves. In quiescent cells, stimulation of the cervical vagus nerve evoked transient depolarization. Occasionally there was a single depolarization, but more often there were several fluctuations in potential. In spontaneously active cells, vagal stimulation induced a transient increase in amplitude of the slow waves without affecting their frequency. Depolarizing responses could be obtained with a single pulse applied to the vagus nerve, and responses increased in amplitude with number of pulses (up to 16 pulses), and with frequency of stimulation (up to 20 Hz). Depolarization did not give rise to spike discharge. Responses to vagal stimulation were blocked by atropine. In the presence of neostigmine, vagally-mediated depolarization was augmented and abortive spikes were observed in a number of cells. In quiescent cells, repetitive stimulation of the sympathetic stellate ganglion evoked slight hyperpolarization. In spontaneously active cells, sympathetic stimulation evoked attenuation, or temporary cessation of slow wave discharge, with or without hyperpolarization. Sympathetic-induced hyperpolarization and suppression of slow waves were both blocked by propranolol, but unaffected by phentolamine. Electrical changes associated with sympathetic stimulation may be of minor importance in the initiation of relaxation.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D009130 Muscle, Smooth Unstriated and unstriped muscle, one of the muscles of the internal organs, blood vessels, hair follicles, etc. Contractile elements are elongated, usually spindle-shaped cells with centrally located nuclei. Smooth muscle fibers are bound together into sheets or bundles by reticular fibers and frequently elastic nets are also abundant. (From Stedman, 25th ed) Muscle, Involuntary,Smooth Muscle,Involuntary Muscle,Involuntary Muscles,Muscles, Involuntary,Muscles, Smooth,Smooth Muscles
D009388 Neostigmine A cholinesterase inhibitor used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis and to reverse the effects of muscle relaxants such as gallamine and tubocurarine. Neostigmine, unlike PHYSOSTIGMINE, does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Synstigmin,Neostigmine Bromide,Neostigmine Methylsulfate,Polstigmine,Proserine,Prostigmin,Prostigmine,Prozerin,Syntostigmine,Bromide, Neostigmine,Methylsulfate, Neostigmine
D009435 Synaptic Transmission The communication from a NEURON to a target (neuron, muscle, or secretory cell) across a SYNAPSE. In chemical synaptic transmission, the presynaptic neuron releases a NEUROTRANSMITTER that diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to specific synaptic receptors, activating them. The activated receptors modulate specific ion channels and/or second-messenger systems in the postsynaptic cell. In electrical synaptic transmission, electrical signals are communicated as an ionic current flow across ELECTRICAL SYNAPSES. Neural Transmission,Neurotransmission,Transmission, Neural,Transmission, Synaptic
D009451 Neuroeffector Junction The synapse between a neuron (presynaptic) and an effector cell other than another neuron (postsynaptic). Neuroeffector junctions include synapses onto muscles and onto secretory cells. Junction, Neuroeffector,Junctions, Neuroeffector,Neuroeffector Junctions
D011433 Propranolol A widely used non-cardioselective beta-adrenergic antagonist. Propranolol has been used for MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION; ARRHYTHMIA; ANGINA PECTORIS; HYPERTENSION; HYPERTHYROIDISM; MIGRAINE; PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA; and ANXIETY but adverse effects instigate replacement by newer drugs. Dexpropranolol,AY-20694,Anaprilin,Anapriline,Avlocardyl,Betadren,Dociton,Inderal,Obsidan,Obzidan,Propanolol,Propranolol Hydrochloride,Rexigen,AY 20694,AY20694,Hydrochloride, Propranolol
D002118 Calcium A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. Coagulation Factor IV,Factor IV,Blood Coagulation Factor IV,Calcium-40,Calcium 40,Factor IV, Coagulation
D004558 Electric Stimulation Use of electric potential or currents to elicit biological responses. Stimulation, Electric,Electrical Stimulation,Electric Stimulations,Electrical Stimulations,Stimulation, Electrical,Stimulations, Electric,Stimulations, Electrical
D004594 Electrophysiology The study of the generation and behavior of electrical charges in living organisms particularly the nervous system and the effects of electricity on living organisms.
D006168 Guinea Pigs A common name used for the genus Cavia. The most common species is Cavia porcellus which is the domesticated guinea pig used for pets and biomedical research. Cavia,Cavia porcellus,Guinea Pig,Pig, Guinea,Pigs, Guinea

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