Mechanical properties of isolated smooth muscle from human rectum and internal anal sphincter.

The passive and active length-tension relations of the circular smooth muscle layer of the human distal rectum and the proximal and distal internal anal sphincter were investigated. Muscle strips were prepared and mounted in organ baths for recording of isometric tension. Resting lengths (LR) were measured, and the preparations were elongated stepwise. At each length, the corresponding values for passive tension, spontaneous active resting tension, and the submaximal active tension were recorded. Elongations of 200-380% of LR were possible before a sharp increase in passive tension occurred. None of the mean tension values measured at length for maximal active tension (LO) differed significantly among the three muscle types. All strips developed active resting tension. This tension was myogenic and contributed 10 +/- 3, 23 +/- 6, and 27 +/- 6% to the total active performance of rectal and proximal and distal sphincter preparations, respectively. Collagen constituted approximately 50% of smooth muscle biopsies, with highest contents in distal internal anal sphincter. This study provides an acceptable method for assessing the optimal experimental length by stretching the strips in an inactive state to 200% of LR, followed by individual adjustment of the passive tension to 5 mN/mm2 measured at 200% of LR.