The non-adrenergic non-cholinergic innervation and transmission in the small intestine

An attempt has been made to summarize the present knowledge on the non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) transmission in the small intestine. The paper presents old and recent findings as well as the author's own results on the basic characteristics of the NANC mechanical and membrane potential changes. Further the sensitivity of NANC transmission to different influences, such as elevation or reduction of the muscle tension and membrane potential level, drug actions, desensitization of receptors, etc. are elucidated. The nature of the putative NANC neuromediator/s (purines, peptides, etc.) in the small intestine is discussed.