Cholinergic control of the murine trachealis muscle via non-vesicular acetylcholine release involving NK1 receptor activation

Abstract

In addition to quantal, vesicular release of acetylcholine (ACh), there is also non-quantal release at the motor endplate which is insufficient to evoke postsynaptic responses unless acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is inhibited. We here addressed potential non-quantal release in the mouse trachea by organ bath experiments and (immuno)histochemical methods. Electrical field stimulation (EFS) of nerve terminals elicited tracheal constriction that is largely due to ACh release (atropine-sensitive) and is not significantly affected by AChE or butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) gene-deficiency.