Possible existence of dopaminergic receptors on cholinergic nerve terminals in the guinea-pig Auerbach's plexus.

In the Auerbach's plexus of guinea-pig ileum lower concentrations of oxotremorine (Oxo-T) produced an increase, whereas higher concentrations of Oxo-T caused inhibition of evoked acetylcholine (ACh) release, measured by bioassay using dorsal muscle of leech. Dopamine inhibited the increase in evoked release of ACh induced by Oxo-T as a function of its concentration and this inhibitory effect was nullified in presence of pimozide, the dopamine receptor antagonist. The results demonstrate existence of presynaptic dopamine receptors having inhibitory influence on excitatory presynaptic muscarinic receptors on regulation of ACh release. However, no physiological role of dopamine could be observed on ACh release in this preparation.