Excitatory Adrenergic Receptors in the Human Stomach and Pylorus

Abstract

The responses to cholinergic and adrenergic drugs in human muscle strips from stomach and pylorus have been studied in vitro. Acetylcholine and carbacholine induced contractions in all preparations tested. The responses were blocked by atropine. The response to adrenaline and noradrenaline elicited contractions in some preparations; in others biphasic responses or inhibition was obtained. Reversal of the response was also produced in some preparations by increasing the dose. The studies indicate excitatory adrenergic α-receptors in addition to inhibitory α- and β-receptors.

Key-words:

• Adrenergic blocking agents
• adrenergic receptors
• epinephrine
• norepinephrine
• pylorus
• smooth muscle
• stomach