Synaptic Communication Between External and Internal Submucosal Plexus Neurones in the Jejunum of the Newborn Pig

Abstract Intracellular recordings were made from neurones in the internal submucosal plexus (ISP) of porcine small intestine and synaptic inputs were investigated by focal stimulation of nerve fiber tracts. Nicotinic fast excitatory potentials (e.p.s.p.s) were recorded in all neurones, but slow e.p.s.p.s and slow inhibitory potentials (i.p.s.p.s) were rarely seen. Membrane potential changes similar to those occurring during the slow e.p.s.p. and slow i.p.s.p. could be evoked by exogenous application of neurotransmitters, even in neurones failing to display a nerve-mediated response. We suggest that the predominant source of the slow synaptic inputs to the ISP may be the neurones of the external submucosal plexus (ESP). The failure to record slow e.p.s.p.s and i.p.s.p.s could be a consequence of the anatomical arrangement of the submucosal plexuses whereby interconnecting strands between the ISP and ESP are inaccessible to the focal stimulation.