The influence of potassium on the electrical and mechanical activity of the guinea pig ureter.

Increase of the external K+ concentration depolarises the ureteral muscle membrane and induces, after a transient period of increased spontaneous activity, a tonic contraction. Tetraethylammonium, in concentrations normally required for ganglion blocking activity, does not influence the ureteral activity, but in higher doses it prolonges the duration of the action potential several times and increases the intraluminal pressure. Ouabain has only an inhibitory effect on the guinea pig ureter.