ABSTRACT
Inflammation is accompanied by the infiltration of large numbers of circulating neutrophils, which release highly reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM). Some of the abnormal patterns of gallbladder motility associated with pain and inflammation of the gallbladder may be due to ROM. The stable, potent ROM monochloramine (NH2Cl) is formed by the action of hypochlorous acid on primary amines. The gallbladder was removed and transferred to a dissecting tray containing oxygenated Krebs solution. The tissue was trimmed of adhering fatty and connective tissues, opened along the longitudinal axis and pinned flat on a dissecting tray with a Sylgard bottom. NH2Cl also inhibited the contractile activity of some other peptidergic and nonpeptidergic agonists. It reduced the contraction of gallbladder induced by bradykinin and leukotriene D4, but not acetylcholine, histamine and prostaglandin E1. The chapter concludes that NH2Cl-induced contraction of guinea pig gallbladder is through a direct action on the smooth muscle. This effect is mediated at least in part by prostaglandins.
