The role of intrinsic, non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic inhibitory nerves in the regulation of distensibility of the guinea-pig colon

July 1979, Volume 381, Issue 1, pp 75–77 | Cite as

Transport Processes, Metabolism and Endocrinology; Kidney, Gastrointestinal Tract, and Exocrine Glands Letters and Notes

Received: 12 March 1979

Accepted: 22 May 1979

Summary

1.

The lengthening responses of segments of distal colon of guinea-pigs to applied weights were measured.
2.

Distensibility was reduced by tetrodotoxin and quinidine; increased by atropine and hyoscine, and unaffected by guanethidine and phentolamine.
3.

Tension changes produced by controlled stretches were increased by tetrodotoxin.
4.

These results suggest that there is a net, inhibitory, non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic influence acting on the muscle during stretch against a background of cholinergic excitatory tone. This inhibitory activity may be activated reflexly by stretch.

Colon Intestinal motility autonomic nervous system enteric nerves

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