The Spasmolytic Actions of Pyrogallol and Catechol on the Isolated Guinea-Pig Ileum

Abstract Pyrogallol and catechol, potent inhibitors of catechol-o-methyl transferase, have general non-specific spasmolytic actions on the isolated guinea-pig ileum. Spasmogens acting by the intramural nervous mechanism are inhibited by lower concentrations of pyrogallol and catechol than are spasmogens acting directly on the smooth muscle. Possible explanations and implications are discussed.