The spasmogenic action of potassium chloride in guinea-pig trachealis

Abstract

1 Tissue bath experiments showed that potassium chloride (KCl) at 10–40 mmol l⁻¹ evoked spasm of guinea-pig trachealis which was unaffected by atropine (1 μmol l⁻¹), mepyramine (1 μmol l⁻¹), tetrodotoxin (3 μmol l⁻¹) or indomethacin (2.8 μmol l⁻¹). 2 Spasm evoked by KCl was depressed in Ca²⁺-free Krebs solution or by exposure of tissues to LaCl₃ (0.25–1 mmol l¹). 3 Extracellular electrical; recording showed that the spasm evoked by KCl 10 mmol l⁻¹ was associated with promotion of electrical slow wave activity. Higher concentrations of KCl abolished slow wave activity but caused further tension development. 4 Intracellular recording confirmed the ability of KCl 10 mmol l⁻¹ transiently to promote slow wave activity in individual trachealis cells. This action was associated with depolarization and tension development. Higher concentrations of KCl evoked further tension development but slow waves were suppressed as the depolarization evoked by KCl increased. 5 KCl (10–40 mmol 1⁻¹) increased the lanthanum-resistant calcium fraction of muscle-containing strips of trachea. 6 It is concluded that KCl acts directly on the smooth muscle of guinea-pig trachea. The spasmogenic action is associated with transient promotion of slow wave activity and a fall in resting membrane potential. The spasm involves the cellular influx of Ca²⁺ and is dependent on the presence of Ca²⁺ in the extracellular fluid.