[Synaptic potentials in smooth muscle cells].

Investigations were carried out on smooth muscle cells (SMC) of rat and rabbit anococcygeus by the method of a double "sugar bridge" in the presence of tetraethylammonium (1 mM/1) in the Krebs solution. Stimulation of the muscle strip by the electric current rectangular pulse of the maximal value and of short duration caused the development of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EP SP) in the rat and rabbit SMC, and of inhibitory postsynaptic potentials in the rabbit SMC. The value of postsynaptic potentials displayed a linear dependence on the level of the membrane potential. Elimination of chlorine ions from the external solution decreased the EP SP of the SMC of rabbit anococcygeus and shifted the reversion potential in the direction of sodium balance potential. Apparently generation of the EP SP of the SMC of rabbit anococcygeus was associated with the increased permeability of the membrane both for sodium and for chlorine ions.