The effect of desensitization to adenosine triphosphate on the peristaltic reflex in guinea-pig ileum

Contractions of the longitudinal muscle of guinea-pig ileum were inhibited by adenosine triphosphate. This inhibition was prevented by specific desensitization of the tissue to adenosine triphosphate whilst the peristaltic reflex was unaffected. The results suggest that the transmitter substance released from the intramural inhibitory neurones activated during peristalsis is not adenosine triphosphate.