Inhibitory effect of lead on 5-hydroxytryptamine induced contractions of isolated ileum of rat.

The present study examined the effects of lead (Pb) on the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) contracture and calcium (Ca++) kinetics of ileum of rat. Isolated ileum preparations incubated in excess Ca++ (2.8 mM) or in Ca++ free Tyrode solution showed decrease in sensitivity to 5-HT. The inhibitory action of Pb reduced the sensitivity and decrease maximum responses to 5-HT in any Mg++ concentration of the medium. In the normal Ca++ and its deficient medium deterioration in sensitivity to Pb and the relevant maximum response to 5-HT were observed. In excess Ca++, the Pb effect depressed corresponding to its maximal response to 5-HT. The presence of EDTA depressed the Pb effect irrespective of the Ca++ influence on the receptors. Thus Pb may be inhibiting responses to 5-HT by interfering Ca++ utilization.