Autonomic regulation of mucociliary transport rate in the oesophagus of the frog, Rana temporaria.

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Abstract
Transport of Pb particles along the mucosal surface of the frog esophagus was measured by direct observation with the aid of video recording. Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve increased the rate of particle transport. This acceleration was suppressed by atropine or by hexamethonium. Acetylcholine and other parasympathomimetic agents accelerated particle transport rate. Such acceleration was abolished by atropine. Nicotine increased the rate of particle transport and this effect was suppressed by hexamethonium or by atropine. Atropine did not significantly alter basal particle transport rate. Neither basal particle transport rate nor the response to vagal nerve stimulation were affected by eserine. Adrenaline [epinephrine E] noradrenaline [norepinephrine NE] or isoprenaline did not affect basal particle transport rate. E or NE were without effect on the increased particle transport rate due to electrical stimulation of the vagus.