We study the role of the tensor term of the Skyrme effective interactions on the spin-orbit splittings in the N=82 isotones and Z=50 isotopes. The different role of the triplet-even and triplet-odd tensor forces is pointed out by analyzing the spin-orbit splittings in these nuclei. The experimental isospin dependence of these splittings cannot be described by Hartree-Fock calculations employing the usual Skyrme parametrizations, but is very well accounted for when the tensor interaction is introduced. The capability of the Skyrme forces to reproduce binding energies and charge radii in heavy nuclei is not destroyed by the introduction of the tensor term. Finally, we also discuss the effect of the tensor force on the centroid of the Gamow-Teller states.

Submitted to Phys. Lett. B