Neural control of the gallbladder: an intracellular study of human gallbladder neurons.
OBJECTIVE
Gallbladder neurons are important governors of gallbladder function. In animal models, gallbladder ganglia can be regulated both by neural and hormonal inputs. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining recordings from human gallbladder neurons.


METHODS
Human gallbladders (n = 33) were bathed in oxygenated Krebs solution (37 degrees C) containing the vital fluorescent stain 4-Di-2-ASP to localize the ganglia. Cells were characterized using conventional intracellular recording techniques.


RESULTS
The mean resting membrane potential of human gallbladder neurons was -51.2 +/- 1.8 mV (n = 11). Depolarizing current pulses elicited only 1-4 spikes regardless of the amplitude or duration of the stimulus. Afterspike hyperpolarizations had a mean duration of 144.5 +/- 19.2 ms (n = 10). Anodal break excitation was not recorded with hyperpolarizing current pulses. Fiber tract stimulation elicited fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials in all neurons tested.


CONCLUSIONS
Intracellular recordings of human gallbladder neurons utilizing 4-Di-2-ASP are thus feasible, but are very problematic due to the density of connective tissue overlying the ganglia. As human and guinea pig gallbladder neurons have similar basic electrical properties, the guinea pig may be an appropriate model for further electrophysiological studies into gallbladder disease.
Hillsley
K
K
Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, The University of Vermont, Burlington 05405, USA.
Jennings
L J
LJ
Mawe
G M
GM
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004594:Electrophysiology; D019706:Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D005704:Gallbladder / Q000166:cytology / Q000294:innervation*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006801:Humans; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology