Biomaterial Database

The mechanism of the excitatory action of catecholamines and histamine on the smooth muscle of guinea-pig ureter. 1977

M F Shuba

1. The ionic mechanism of the excitatory action of catecholamines and histamine on the smooth muscle cells of guinea-pig ureter was studied with the double sucrose-gap method. 2. In normal conditions adrenaline and noradrenaline in a concentration of 10(-5) g/ml., and histamine in a concentration of 10(-6) g/ml., prolonged the duration of the plateau of the action potential and increased the amplitude and duration of the phasic contraction. Sometimes these changes were accompanied by a slight depolarization of the muscle membrane and by a small increase (with noradrenaline) or decrease (with histamine) of the membrane resistance. The amplitude and duration of the fast spike component of the action potential were not changed. 3. Isoprenaline in a concentration of 10(-5) g/ml. either caused no change or it decreased the duration of the plateau, reduced the amplitude of contractions and reduced excitability. 4. Tetraethyl ammonium (TEA; 5 mM), which blocks the delayed outward K current, did not prevent the increase in the duration of the plateau nor the increase of the amplitude and duration of the contractions by noradrenaline and histamine. 5. In Na-free or in K-free solution or in the presence of ouabain, i.e. in conditions in which the Na-gradient across the membrane was reduced, noradrenaline and histamine were unable to increase the duration of the plateau and the amplitude and duration of the contraction. 6. In the presence of Mn2+ (2 mM) which suppressed the spike component of tha action potential and the phasic contraction, theeffects of noradrenaline and histamine were almost abolished. 7. The results suggest a dual ionic mechanism of the alpha-action of catecholamines and of the action of histamine on the smooth muscle of ureter: (1) these drugs affect the passive ionic permeability of the membrane in a manner that results in depolarization; (2) they specifically activate the potential-dependent conductance of the slow Na channels, thereby increasing the plateau duration. The increased amplitude and duration of the contraction is the result of their primary effect on the plateau of the action potential.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008345	Manganese	A trace element with atomic symbol Mn, atomic number 25, and atomic weight 54.94. It is concentrated in cell mitochondria, mostly in the pituitary gland, liver, pancreas, kidney, and bone, influences the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides, stimulates hepatic synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids, and is a cofactor in many enzymes, including arginase and alkaline phosphatase in the liver. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual 1992, p2035)
D009119	Muscle Contraction	A process leading to shortening and/or development of tension in muscle tissue. Muscle contraction occurs by a sliding filament mechanism whereby actin filaments slide inward among the myosin filaments.	Inotropism,Muscular Contraction,Contraction, Muscle,Contraction, Muscular,Contractions, Muscle,Contractions, Muscular,Inotropisms,Muscle Contractions,Muscular Contractions
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
D011188	Potassium	An element in the alkali group of metals with an atomic symbol K, atomic number 19, and atomic weight 39.10. It is the chief cation in the intracellular fluid of muscle and other cells. Potassium ion is a strong electrolyte that plays a significant role in the regulation of fluid volume and maintenance of the WATER-ELECTROLYTE BALANCE.
D002395	Catecholamines	A general class of ortho-dihydroxyphenylalkylamines derived from TYROSINE.	Catecholamine,Sympathin,Sympathins
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
D006632	Histamine	An amine derived by enzymatic decarboxylation of HISTIDINE. It is a powerful stimulant of gastric secretion, a constrictor of bronchial smooth muscle, a vasodilator, and also a centrally acting neurotransmitter.	Ceplene,Histamine Dihydrochloride,Histamine Hydrochloride,Peremin
D000200	Action Potentials	Abrupt changes in the membrane potential that sweep along the CELL MEMBRANE of excitable cells in response to excitation stimuli.	Spike Potentials,Nerve Impulses,Action Potential,Impulse, Nerve,Impulses, Nerve,Nerve Impulse,Potential, Action,Potential, Spike,Potentials, Action,Potentials, Spike,Spike Potential
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D012964	Sodium	A member of the alkali group of metals. It has the atomic symbol Na, atomic number 11, and atomic weight 23.	Sodium Ion Level,Sodium-23,Ion Level, Sodium,Level, Sodium Ion,Sodium 23