Mechanism of rhythmic contractions induced by uranyl ion in the ileal longitudinal muscle of guinea-pig.

The uranyl ion (UO2(2+)) produces rhythmic contractions of the longitudinal muscle of the ileum, similar to those induced by repetitive transmural stimulation. Hexamethonium inhibited the action of UO2(2+), indicating a preganglionic site of action of UO2(2+) and interneurons possibly being involved in the ACh-releasing effect of UO2(2+). In addition, the action of UO2(2+) was enhanced by physostigmine but antagonized by atropine, ATP, adrenaline and morphine suggesting multiple sites of action of UO2(2+). The effects of Ba2+ were studied simultaneously in order to compare them with those of UO2(2+). Atropine and hexamethonium had no effect on the rhythmic contractions with Ba2+ but physostigmine enhanced contractions induced by low concentration of Ba2+ indicating that Ba2+ induces contractions mainly by acting on the smooth muscle and releases ACh from the nerve to a lesser extent.