Cholinergic-adrenergic interactions on intestinal ion transport

The autonomic control of intestinal electrolyte transport has been investigated in the in vitro, short-circuited rabbit ileum with varying doses of carbachol and with neuroeffector blocking agents. Low-dose carbachol (less than 10(-6) M) and high-dose carbachol (greater than 10(-4) M) had different effects on Na and Cl transport. Low-dose carbachol caused a transient increase in the potential difference and short-circult current, stimulated Cl secretion, and inhibited the residual flux (probably HCO3 secretion). This is a muscarinic response since it is inhibited by atropine (10(-6) M). After an initial increase of the potential difference and short-circuit current, high-dose carbachol reduced these electrical parameters, stimulated Na and Cl absorption, and abolished the residual flux. This is a nicotinic response since it is inhibited by hexamethonium (10(-5) M). This nicotinic response is identical to that reported by others with alpha-adrenergic agents and it was inhibited also by phentolamine (10(-7) M). We propose that high-dose carbachol stimulates nicotinic receptors on postganglionic sympathetic fibers present in our preparations causing a release of catecholamines and a resulting alpha-adrenergic response by the intestinal epithelial cell. The physiological significance of this response in the gut remains to be determined.