Cholinergic-adrenergic interactions on intestinal ion transport

E. J. Tapper, D. W. Powell, S. M. Morris

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

The autonomic control of intestinal electrolyte transport has been investigated in the in vitro, short-circuited rabbit ileum with varying doses of carbachol and with neuroeffector blocking agents. Low-dose carbachol (<10-6 M) and high-dose carbachol (>10-4 M) had different effects on Na and Cl transport. Low-dose carbachol caused a transient increase in the potential difference and short-circuit current, stimulated Cl secretion, and inhibited the residual flux (probably HCO3 secretion). This is a muscarinic response since it is inhibited by atropine (10-6 M). After an initial increase of the potential difference and short-circuit current, high-dose carbachol reduced these electrical parameters, stimulated Na and Cl absorption, and abolished the residual flux. This is a nicotinic response since it is inhibited by hexamethonium (10-5 M). This nicotinic response is identical to that reported by others with α-adrenergic agents and it was inhibited also by phentolamine (10-7 M). The authors propose high-dose carbachol stimulates nicotinic receptors on postganglionic sympathetic fibers present in their preparations causing a release of catecholamines and a resulting α-adrenergic response by the intestinal epithelial cell. The physiological significance of this response in the gut remains to be determined.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)E402-E409
JournalAmerican Journal of Physiology Endocrinology Metabolism and Gastrointestinal Physiology
Volume4
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1978
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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