[The effect of sympathetic denervation on the structure, contractility and electrical activity of the smooth-muscle cells in the cat nictitating membrane].

The nucleus and soma of sympathetically denervated smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of the cat nictitating membrane were found to be enlarged. The number of free ribosomes was dramatically increased and a disintegration of microfilaments was found. The functional changes involved spontaneous or agonist-induced generation of APs. These findings suggest that the denervation destructed the adrenoreceptor control mechanisms of the excitable membrane's potential. The possibility of emergence of new Ca2+ channels in the denervated SMCs is discussed.