Postjunctional supersensitivity of the rat vas deferens and gap junctions

Abstract

Tissues from the duodenum and vas deferens of Sprague–Dawley rats were examined of the rat vas deferens and gap junctions. Can. J. Physiol. Pharmacol. 54, 412–416. by electron microscopy after glutaraldehyde fixation and postosmication. Gap junctions (nexuses) were readily demonstrated in the duodenum in both control and reserpine treated animals (1.0 mg/kg per day for 7 days). However, gap junctions could not be demonstrated in vas deferens. It is concluded that the postjunctional supersensitivity and spontaneous activity induced by reserpine in vas deferens, does not result from the formation of gap junctions.