Neurotrasmettitori nelle vie aeree: caratterizzazione farmacologica del sistema non adrenergico non colinergico inibitorio nella trachea di cavia

In order to characterize the role of nitric oxide (NO), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), ATP and carbon monoxide (CO) in the neurally mediated EFS-induced relaxation of isolated guinea-pig trachea, we evaluated the relaxing responses before and after treatment with known blockers of either synthesis or action of each mediator. The role of NO and ATP was shown to be both significant and similar. Peptide mediators did not show a significant role. The role of CO was shown only incases of blockage of the other mediators. In conclusion, apart from the most well-known mediators, at least two other mediators, i.e. ATP, or a related purine, and CO, are involved in the NANC relaxation of guinea-pig trachea.