Mechanism of Cadmium-induced Contraction in Ileal Longitudinal Muscle of Guinea-pig

1 The mechanism of cadmium (Cd2+)-induced contraction was studied in isolated ileal longitudinal muscle of guinea-pig. 2 CdCl2 (1x10(-8) to 1x10-4M)) caused a transient contraction which subsided within approximately 6 min of application. The contraction was reproducible and dependent on the concentration. The dose-response curve was bell-shaped. A maximal response was observed at concentrations of 5x10(-6) to 1x10(-5) M. 3 The contractile effect was inhibited to some degree at 20 degree C or by tetrodotoxin (0.1 microgram/ml), hyoscine (o.1 microgram/ml), but completely inhibited by Ca2+ -removal from the medium. 4 Cd2+ increased the output of [14C]-acetylcholine biosynthesized from [14C] by the preparation depending on the concentration. The increase terminated within the first 6 min and was reduced by tetrodotoxin (0.1 microgram/ml) or by removal of Ca2+ from the medium. 5 Both the contractile and transmitter releasing effects of Cd2+ were dependent on the concentration of external Ca2+. Strontium ions were able to replace Ca2+ -induced transmitter release. 6 It is suggested that Cd2+ contracts ileal longitudinal muscle through a release of cholinergic transmitter from the parasympathetic nerve terminals, which is dependent on external Ca2+. It also has a smaller hyoscine-resistant contractile effect, presumably due to a direct action on smooth muscle cells.