Abstract
In all mammalian species examined to date, there is a 10 mV or more gradient in resting membrane potential across the wall of the gastric antrum, small intestine and colon, and an even larger gradient along the long axis of the stomach. These voltage gradients, which may be considered biological rheostats, are central to the ability of circular smooth muscle to vary the strength of contraction from weak to propulsive and occluding. In this short review, we consider recent data that support the hypothesis that carbon monoxide generated in interstitial cells of Cajal is a hyperpolarizing factor for circular smooth muscle and the root of the essential voltage gradients.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 81-85 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Neurogastroenterology and Motility |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | SUPPL. 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2004 |
Keywords
- Carbon monoxide
- Circular smooth muscle
- Haem oxygenase
- Interstitial cells of Cajal
- Voltage gradients
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology
- Endocrine and Autonomic Systems
- Gastroenterology