Effects of adrenaline and carbachol on the morphology of alveolar contractile cells in the lung of the toad (Bufo marinus).
Smooth muscle-like interstitial cells in toad (Bufo marinus) lung strips were examined by light and electron microscopy and subjected to morphometric analysis in an attempt to assess the effect of spasmogenic and relaxant agonists on contractile cells in peripheral airways. Carbachol (12.8 microM) caused a 43.6% reduction in contractile cell length compared to control, while adrenaline (100 microM) caused a 21.3% increase. The mean transverse and longitudinal-sectional area and perimeter of cell profiles were significantly greater in carbachol treated preparations than in control. In tissue that had relaxed after exposure to adrenaline, the mean area of longitudinally sectioned cells and the perimeter of cell profiles were significantly reduced.
D000818:Animals; D002024:Bufo marinus; D002217:Carbachol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000187:drug effects; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000166:cytology; D011650:Pulmonary Alveoli / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*
D002217:Carbachol; D004837:Epinephrine