KINETICS OF ATP-MEDIATED AND NORADRENALINE-MEDIATED SYMPATHETIC NEUROMUSCULAR-TRANSMISSION IN RAT TAIL ARTERY

Electrophysiological, electrochemical and mechanical recordings were e mployed to study the kinetics of the release and clearance of adenosin e 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and noradrenaline (NA) as sympathetic co-trans mitters and of the neurogenic and nonneurogenic contractions in rat is olated tail artery. The life-time of ATP and NA released by a single p ulse or 10 pulses at 50 Hz was brief ( < 100 ms, or < 3 s, respectivel y); the neurogenic contractile responses occurred largely after the tr ansmitters had been removed from the extracellular space. The ATP-indu ced neurogenic contractile responses to a single pulse or 10 pulses at 50 Hz were similar in time-course to the responses to direct muscle s timulation at low voltage; both seemed to be caused by activation of n ifedipine-sensitive voltage-gated L-type Ca2+ channels. The alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenoceptor-mediated components of the NA-induced neurog enic contractile response to 10 pulses at 50 Hz were more delayed and prolonged and determined by properties of the post-receptor mechanisms . The per pulse release of both ATP and NA faded rapidly during long h igh-frequency trains. So did the ATP level at the receptors and the AT P-induced neurogenic contraction. The NA levels and the contractile re sponses induced via alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors were much bet ter maintained during ongoing stimulation at 20 Hz but relaxed rapidly afterwards, suggesting that nerve activity suppressed, and cessation of nerve activity reactivated NA clearance.