Effect of strychnine on the contractile response of rat vas deferens.
Strychnine at concentrations of 0.1 approximately 1.0 microM induced supersensitivity of rat vas deferens to alpha-agonists but not to other stimulants. Strychnine-treatment resulted in an increase in the number of alpha-adrenoceptors, determined by measuring the binding of [3H]prazosin. Glycine did not have any significant effect on the contracture and did not antagonize the action of strychnine. Thus, specific supersensitivity of alpha-adrenergic system was induced by treatment with low concentrations of strychnine.
D000818:Animals; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000494:pharmacology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000187:drug effects*; D011224:Prazosin / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013331:Strychnine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014649:Vas Deferens / Q000187:drug effects
D013331:Strychnine; D011224:Prazosin; D004837:Epinephrine