Some Factors Affecting the Response of Smooth Muscle To Chemical Mediators

Abstract

Studies were conducted relative to local control of smooth muscle and metabolic autoregulation of peripheral blood circulation. In model experiments in vitro the presence of non- muscular gastric tissues in the preparations affected the work function of incorporated smooth muscle. Strips with the mucosal lining intact were compared with strips split at the level of submucosa under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The results indicate that the mucosal cellular elements exert a controlling influence on the reaction of the smooth muscle to various drugs. The effect cannot be ascribed to the release of common chemical mediators. It is suggested that the controlling effect of adjacent tissue on the work function of smooth muscle is the result of a bioelectric phenomenon tentatively called polarization which influences the reactivity (redox state) of the muscle cell receptors.