Analysis of the responses of myenteric neurons in the small intestine to chemical stimulation of the mucosa

Abstract

Responses of myenteric AH and S neurons to local application of chemicals to the mucosa of the guinea pig small intestine were obtained using conventional intracellular recording techniques. Preparations were dissected to reveal the myenteric plexus over one-half of the circumference of the gut with intact mucosa on the other half. Neurons were impaled within the exposed one-half, whereas potential stimulants, in buffered saline, were transiently applied to the mucosa, 1-1.5 mm circumferential from the impalement. The stimulants elicited action potentials (AP) in AH neurons that did not arise from synaptic activity. AH neurons also responded with slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSP..