Lack of an Effect of Saxitoxin on the Contractility of Isolated Guinea Pig Trachea, Lung Parenchyma and Aorta
Abstract
The effects of saxitoxin were investigated in guinea pig tracheal rings, lung parenchymal strips and aorta rings. Tracheal rings were used both with epithelium present and with it removed. Aorta rings were used both with endothelium present and with it removed. Saxitoxin, 1 picomole to 0.1 micro mole, did not alter the resting tension of either airway tissues or aorta. Also, 0.1 micro mole saxitoxin did not reduce tension of tracheal rings contracted by 10 micro mole carbachol, parenchymal strips contracted by 100 uM acetylcholine or by 10 micro mole histamine, or aorta rings contracted by 10 uM norepinephrine. Responses of tracheal rings to 0.03 to 10 micro mole carbachol added cumulatively were not altered by 0.1 micro mole saxitoxin. Saxitoxin did not significantly alter contractile activity of airways or large arteries in vitro. Keywords: Dinoflagellate algae; Physiological effects; Toxins.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA205491
Entities
People
- Casey P. Robinson
- David R. Franz
- Maria E. Bondura
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases