cAMP in guinea-pig superior cervical ganglia during preganglionic nerve stimulation

Abstract

Preganglionic nerve stimulation or elevated [K+]o increase cAMP levels in isolated guinea-pig superior cervical ganglia, a ganglion lacking adrenergic inhibitory synaptic potentials. The cAMP response to K+ and nerve stimulation is not prevented by atropine or phentolamine. The regulation of cAMP content does not involve cholinergic or adrenergic mechanism. Of polypeptides tested, only VIP (5 X 10(-6) M) increases cAMP content to the extent observed with preganglionic nerve stimulation.