SECONDARY EXCITATION OF INTESTINAL SMOOTH MUSCLE

Abstract

1. A period of stimulation of intrinsic or extrinsic nerves to intestinal muscle is often followed by a secondary contraction. In the present work, the basis for such secondary contractions in the longitudinal muscle of the large bowel of guinea-pigs and rabbits was examined.2. In general, the action of cholinergic nerves did not contribute significantly to the secondary contractions. Concentrations of atropine or hyoscine, which completely blocked primary cholinergic contractions, potentiated or did not significantly reduce secondary contractions.3. Atropine resistant, nerve mediated primary contractions of the guinea-pig ileum were inhibited by anticholinesterases, although these drugs pot..