MLISO, a computer simulation of experiments to illustrate the cellular basis of intestinal muscle activity

An interactive program illustrating a number of concepts on the cellular ba sis of the intestinal peristaltis and the regulatory actions of the autonom ic nervous system (ANS) on the duodenal contractile activity is presented. The program shows the isometric mechanical responses elicited by the duoden um to a number of experimental conditions and pharmacological drugs in a wa y that is consistent with real laboratory practicals. A selection of experi ments demonstrates the dependence of extracellular calcium for the smooth m uscle activity, the effects of membrane potential changes, the effects of A NS receptor agonists and antagonists, the role of the Na+-K+-ATPase and the effects of temperature or oxygen changes on the myogenic muscle activity. The software was developed to run on IBM compatible computers under DOS and Windows environments and makes use of high-resolution graphic simulations derived from real experiments which are displayed on a simulated oscillosco pe and the students are expected to make qualitative assessments and to dra w conclusions from the data collected directly from the screen oscilloscope . The cognitive aspects of the software makes it is suitable for undergradu ate and graduate students from an assortment of biomedical sciences and hav e been designed to be used under a tutored framework but also as learning r esource for individual study by the students.