α‐Adrenoceptor antagonists (prazosin or phentolamine) reduced the contractile response to field stimulation of the isolated vasa deferentia of guinea‐pig, rat and mouse. α, β‐Methylene ATP (α, β‐MeATP) reduced that portion of the contraction which was resistant to α‐adrenoceptor blockade. α, β‐MeATP (1–800 μM) did not affect action potential conduction in the guinea‐pig vas deferens nerves, and (up to 10 μM) did not reduce the stimulation‐evoked overflow of [3H]‐noradrenaline from this tissue. Spontaneous excitatory junction potentials (s.e. j.ps) in the majority of cells of guinea‐pig, rat, and mouse vasa were abolished by α, β‐MeATP (0.1–10 μM). In a small number of cells s.e.j.ps were resistant to the actions of α, β‐MeATP (10 μM). Excitatory junction potentials (e.j.ps) in the majority of cells in vasa of all species studied were abolished by α, β‐MeATP (1–10 μM). E.j.ps elicited in some ‘resistant’ cells demonstrated marked facilitation characteristics. It is concluded that α, β‐MeATP inhibits s.e.j.ps and e.j.ps by a postjunctional action. In all species pretreatment of animals with 6‐hydroxydopamine produced a marked reduction in noradrenaline (NA) content (as determined by fluorescence histochemistry) and abolished e.j.ps, findings which suggest that e.j.ps originated from sympathetic nerves. The results support the hypothesis that NA and ATP are co‐transmitters in the sympathetic nerves of rodent vasa.

INTRODUCTIONVaginal candidosis is one of the most common infections of the vagina and the first accredited record of the disease appeared in 1849. Over the years the terms ‘candidiasis’ and ‘candidosis’ have been used, but it is generally accepted now that the terms are synonymous, and the term most commonly in use today is ‘candidosis’. Mainly caused by the yeast Candida albicans, the condition is characterised by intense inflammation of the vaginal mucosa and a curdy, off‐white discharge; it is often associated with severe vulval itching and possibly burning pain.The severity of symptoms seems to vary greatly from patient to patient and the reason for this is unclear. It is suggested that in some patients there may be an element of hypersensitivity. Vaginal candidosis may occur in children but is most common in adults and only sometimes affects the elderly. The majority of women will suffer at least one attack of vaginal candidosis during their lifetime, and there are several predisposing factors such as diabetes, pregnancy and antibiotics. Some authorities consider the condition more frequent in those taking oral contraceptives or other hormones.