Characteristics contractile response to the calcium ionophore, A23187, in guinea-pig vas deferens.

1. In the guinea-pig isolated vas deferens, the calcium ionophore, A23187, initially caused a phasic contraction followed by rhythmic activity. 2. Treatment with atropine, phentolamine, tetrodotoxin and reserpine modified neither of the components of the contraction induced by the ionophore. Verapamil and nifedipine abolished the rhythmic activity but had no effect on the phasic contraction. 4. In a calcium-free solution, both components of the contraction were abolished. 5. It is suggested that A23187 is able to cause contraction by a direct action on the smooth muscle of guinea-pig vas deferens.