A microperfusion investigation of the effects of a sympathomimetic and a parasympathomimetic drug on water and electrolyte fluxes in the main duct of the rat submaxillary gland

Identifying stem cells in the main excretory ducts of rat major salivary glands: adventures with commercial antibodies

We investigated the entire length of the main excretory ducts (MED) of the major sublingual, parotid and submandibular salivary glands of mature laboratory rats for mucous (goblet) and luminal ciliated cells, biomarkers of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and five biomarkers of stem cells. Spleen and testis were used as positive controls. We used formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissues. No mucous cells or cells with luminal cilia were observed in hematoxylin and eosin, alcian blue or periodic acid-Schiff stained sections. Immunohistochemistry using rabbit anti-rat antibodies produced anomalous reactions with cleaved caspase-3 for apoptosis, Ki-67 for proliferative activity and Sox 2. Following antigen retrieval, no primary antibody and all three negative controls, labeled macrophages appeared in the spleen. TUNEL staining revealed a few cells per section undergoing apoptosis. Reactions deemed valid occurred in MED with cytokeratin-5 and c-Kit and stem cell antigen 1 (Sca-1) mostly in the gland and middle segments. Other ducts, but not acini or myoepithelial cells, also were variably stained with c-Kit and Sca-1.

A study on Evaluation of efficacy of bethanechol in the management of chemoradiation-induced xerostomia in oral cancer patients

Objectives:

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common oral cancer. Radiotherapy with concomitant chemotherapy is an ideal treatment modality largely used for oral cancers, which precipitates many side effects, of which the most challenging and debilitating side effect is xerostomia. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of bethanechol in patients with xerostomia following chemoradiation therapy for oral cancer.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty patients with xerostomia postchemoradiation therapy, aged between 30 and 65 years, were selected based on selection criteria. Thirty patients in the study group were administered 25 mg bethanechol three times daily (TDS) and 20 patients in the control group with placebo capsules. The subjective symptoms of oral dryness were periodically evaluated at baseline, at the end of 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd weeks using a self-reported questionnaire. Salivary analysis such as whole resting saliva and whole stimulated saliva (WSS) volumes, amylase, pH and sodium potassium ratio were evaluated before and 3 weeks after bethanechol and placebo therapy.

Results:

Twenty-four (80%) patients in bethanechol group and only 2 (10%) patients in control group showed subjective improvement in oral dryness at the end of 3^rd week. A significant difference was found between two groups in whole resting and stimulated saliva volume, pH and amylase. However, there was no statistically significant difference in sodium potassium ratio with insignificant adverse effects after 3 weeks of bethanechol therapy.

Conclusions:

25 mg bethanechol (TDS) has shown subjective improvement in oral dryness in 24 (80%) patients with significant improvement in whole resting and WSS volumes, pH and salivary amylase with insignificant adverse effects.

Ion Transport and Water Movement

Secretion of water and electrolytes in salivary glands occurs by a dual process involving the formation of a plasma-like, isotonic primary-secretion in salivary acini and its subsequent modification in salivary-ducts by the removal and addition of specific ions. The mechanisms underlying the formation of primary acinar secretion have been investigated with a number of experimental approaches such as electrophysiology, the measurement of ion transport in gland fragments and dispersed acinar cells, and the evaluation of the ionic requirements for secretion in isolated, perfused gland preparations. The accumulated evidence suggests that salivary secretion is formed by a complex interaction between passive and active ion movements across acinar cell membranes, resulting in the trans-acinar movement of CI and Na+ and, by the osmotic gradient which develops, of water. A major consequence of stimulation is the release of K + through Ca++ -and voltage-sensitive channels and its subsequent recycling back into the cells by ouabain- and furosemide-sensitive transport systems. This results in NaCl uptake across the basolateral cell membrane and the subsequent efflux of CI through luminal membrane channels, which also appear to be sensitive to cellular Ca + +. The rates of these various ion movements appear to be, therefore, closely linked and interdependent. Ductal modification of the primary secretion has been studied in microperfused duct preparations. The evidence likewise indicates that it involves interactions between complex conductance pathways in the luminal cell membrane and a Na, K pump present in the basolateral cell membrane and that it is under autonomic and hormonal control. Activation of ductal transport mechanisms results in NaCl reabsorption and KHCO3 secretion. Final saliva thus differs from primary secretion in electrolyte composition and, because water permeability is low in the duct epithelium, becomes hypotonic. Alterations in fluid and electrolyte secretion such as those observed in disease can result, therefore, from disturbances in one or more of these complex transport processes in acinar or duct cells.

Different rate-limiting activities of intracellular pH regulators for HCO3- secretion stimulated by forskolin and carbachol in rat parotid intralobular ducts

Intracellular pH (pHi) regulation fundamentally participates in maintaining HCO3- release from HCO3--secreting epithelia. We used parotid intralobular ducts loaded with BCECF to investigate the contributions of a carbonic anhydrase (CA), anion channels and a Na+-H+ exchanger (NHE) to pHi regulation for HCO3- secretion by cAMP and Ca2+ signals. Resting pHi was dispersed between 7.4 and 7.9. Forskolin consistently decreased pHi showing the dominance of pHi-lowering activities, but carbachol gathered pHi around 7.6. CA inhibition suppressed the forskolin-induced decrease in pHi, while it allowed carbachol to consistently increase pHi by revealing that carbachol prominently activated NHE via Ca2+-calmodulin. Under NHE inhibition, forskolin and carbachol induced the remarkable decreases in pHi, which were slowed predominantly by CA inhibition and by CA or anion channel inhibition, respectively. Our results suggest that forskolin and carbachol primarily activate the pHi-lowering CA and pHi-raising NHE, respectively, to regulate pHi for HCO3- secretion.

A quantitative analysis of electrolyte exchange in the salivary duct

A healthy salivary gland secretes saliva in two stages. First, acinar cells generate primary saliva, a plasma-like, isotonic fluid high in Na(+) and Cl(-). In the second stage, the ducts exchange Na(+) and Cl(-) for K(+) and HCO(3)(-), producing a hypotonic final saliva with no apparent loss in volume. We have developed a tool that aims to understand how the ducts achieve this electrolyte exchange while maintaining the same volume. This tool is part of a larger multiscale model of the salivary gland and can be used at the duct or gland level to investigate the effects of genetic and chemical alterations. In this study, we construct a radially symmetric mathematical model of the mouse salivary gland duct, representing the lumen, the cell, and the interstitium. For a given flow and primary saliva composition, we predict the potential differences and the luminal and cytosolic concentrations along a duct. Our model accounts well for experimental data obtained in wild-type animals as well as knockouts and chemical inhibitors. Additionally, the luminal membrane potential of the duct cells is predicted to be very depolarized compared with acinar cells. We investigate the effects of an electrogenic vs. electroneutral anion exchanger in the luminal membrane on concentration and the potential difference across the luminal membrane as well as how impairing the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator channel affects other ion transporting mechanisms. Our model suggests the electrogenicity of the anion exchanger has little effect in the submandibular duct.

Characterization and localization of P2 receptors in rat submandibular gland acinar and duct cells

[Ca2+]i and the Cl- current were measured in isolated submandibular gland acinar and duct cells to characterize and localize the purinergic receptors expressed in these cells. In both cell types 2'-3'-benzoylbenzoyl (Bz)-ATP and ATP increased [Ca2+]i mainly by activation of Ca2+ influx. UTP had only minimal effect on [Ca2+]i at concentrations between 0.1 and 1 mM. However, a whole cell current recording showed that all nucleotides effectively activated Cl- currents. Inhibition of signal transduction through G proteins by guanyl-5'-beta-thiophosphate revealed that the effect of ATP on Cl- current was mediated in part by activation of a G protein-coupled and in part by a G protein-independent receptor. BzATP activated exclusively the G protein-independent portion, whereas UTP activated only the G protein-dependent portion of the Cl- current. Measurement of [Ca2+]i in the microperfused duct showed that ATP stimulated a [Ca2+]i increase when applied to the luminal or the basolateral sides. BzATP increased [Ca2+]i only when applied to the luminal side, whereas UTP at 100 microM increased -Ca2+-i only when applied to the basolateral side. The combined results suggest that duct and possibly acinar cells express P2z receptors in the luminal and P2u receptors in the basolateral membrane.

Characterization, localization and axial distribution of Ca2+ signalling receptors in the rat submandibular salivary gland ducts

1. To characterize [Ca2+]i signalling in salivary duct cells a procedure was developed for the rapid preparation and isolation of intralobular ducts, some of which had attached intercalated ducts. The isolated ducts retained agonist-induced Ca2+ signalling after permeabilization with streptolysin O (SLO). 2. The improved cell preparation technique was reflected in the repertoire and intensity of agonist responsiveness of the cells. Measurements of [Ca2+]i in intact cells showed that all agonists previously reported to affect electrolyte transport by the submandibular salivary gland (adrenaline, carbachol, isoprenaline and forskolin) mobilized Ca2+ from internal stores and increased Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane. 3. The use of the SLO-permeabilized ducts showed that all agonists, including isoprenaline and forskolin, mobilized Ca2+ exclusively from the inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive pool. However, in granular ducts only adrenaline mobilized the entire IP3-sensitive pool whereas all other agonists mobilized only part of the pool. 4. All regions of the duct responded to substance P and the luminally secreted agonist ATP. Interestingly, the intercalated duct was most responsive to ATP and demonstrated only a minimal response to all other agonists. The granular region of the same duct and the extralobular duct always responded best to stimulation by adrenaline. 5. The perfused extralobular duct was used to show that adrenaline and carbachol stimulated the duct through the basolateral membrane whereas the receptors for ATP were localized in the luminal membrane of the duct. This suggests the presence of an ATP-dependent positive feedback loop in salivary duct with decreased activity along the ductal tree.

Control of intracellular Ca2+ by adrenergic and muscarinic agonists in mouse mandibular ducts and end-pieces

The changes in free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in the cells of the secretory end-pieces and intralobular ducts of mouse mandibular glands exposed to adrenergic or cholinergic agonists were measured using fluorescence imaging techniques. [Ca2+]i in both cell types increased in a dose-dependent manner during both adrenergic and cholinergic stimulation. The duct cells responded to noradrenaline and to acetylcholine over the same concentration range (30 nmol/l to 3 mumol/l) although the maximum increase in [Ca2+]i above resting levels evoked by noradrenaline (ca. 137 nmol/l) was about twice that evoked by acetylcholine. The response to acetylcholine was blocked by atropine (0.1 mumol/l) and the response to noradrenaline was blocked by the alpha 1-adrenergic antagonist, prazosin (0.1 mumol/l), but not by the alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist, yohimbine. The alpha-adrenergic agonist, phenylephrine, mimicked the action of noradrenaline but the beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol, had no effect. In contrast to the duct cells, the end-piece cells responded to acetylcholine at much lower concentrations (threshold << 1 nmol/l) than to noradrenaline (threshold ca. 300 nmol/l) and the size of the increase in [Ca2+]i above resting levels evoked by acetylcholine (216 nmol/l) was nearly 5-times greater than for noradrenaline. VIP and substance P failed to evoked a Ca2+ response in either end-piece or duct cells.

The effect of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors on secretion by the parotid and mandibular glands of red kangaroos Macropus rufus

The effects of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors on secretion by macropodine parotid and mandibular glands were investigated using anaesthetized red kangaroos. In the parotid gland, acetazolamide (500 mumol.l-1) reduced a stable acetylcholine-evoked, half-maximal flow rate of 2.02 +/- 0.034 to 0.27 +/- 0.023 ml.min-1 (87% reduction). Concurrently, salivary bicarbonate concentration and secretion fell (129.4 +/- 1.46 to 80.9 +/- 1.63 mmol.l-1 and 264.8 +/- 7.96 to 22.3 +/- 2.30 mumol.min-1, respectively), phosphate and chloride concentrations rose (14.0 +/- 0.79 to 27.6 +/- 0.85 mmol.l-1 and 5.6 +/- 0.25 to 27.5 +/- 1.32 mmol.l-1, respectively), sodium concentration and osmolality were unaltered, and potassium concentration fell (8.8 +/- 0.33 to 6.4 +/- 0.29 mmol.l-1). High-rate cholinergic stimulation during acetazolamide blockade was unable to increase salivary flow beyond 11 +/- 0.9% of that for equivalent unblocked control stimulation. However, superimposition of isoprenaline infusion on the acetylcholine stimulation caused a three-fold increase in the blocked flow rate. These treatments were accompanied by small increases in salivary phosphate and chloride concentrations but not bicarbonate concentration. Methazolamide infusion caused similar changes in parotid secretion. In the mandibular gland, acetazolamide infusion had no effect on salivary flow rate during either low- or high-level acetylcholine stimulation. Acetazolamide caused no alterations in salivary electrolyte secretion at low flow rates, but curtailed the rise in bicarbonate concentration associated with high-level acetylcholine stimulation. Acetazolamide administration did not affect the increase in salivary flow rate associated with isoprenaline infusion, but did block the concomitant increase in bicarbonate concentration and secretion substantially.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Muscarinic receptor regulation of Ca2+ mobilization in a human salivary cell line

We have studied receptor-mediated Ca2+ mobilization in an established exocrine epithelial cell line (HSG-PA) derived from a human submandibular gland. These cells possess a single class of high-affinity muscarinic cholinergic receptors identified using [3H]-quinuclidinyl-benzilate (Kd = 0.17 +/- 0.07 nmol/l; Bmax = 37 +/- 2 fmol/mg protein; n = 3). The muscarinic agonist carbachol elicits a concentration dependent increase of [3H]-inositol trisphosphate in HSG-PA cells (100 mumol/l; greater than 2 fold by 30 s). Carbachol also results in a rapid, approximately 5-fold increase in cytosolic [Ca2+]. This response is made up of two components, one arising from the release of intracellular Ca2+ (La3+ insensitive; independent of extracellular [Ca2+]), the other from the entry of extracellular Ca2+ (La3+ sensitive; dependent on extracellular [Ca2+]). These Ca2+ mobilizing mechanisms are completely blocked by the muscarinic antagonist atropine (10 mumol/l) but unaffected by several voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel antagonists (verapamil, nifedipine, diltiazem) and by membrane depolarization (incubation in 55 mmol/l KCl). These results demonstrate that HSG-PA cells respond to muscarinic stimulation by mobilizing Ca2+ from an intracellular store and via a receptor-operated Ca2+ entry pathway.

Secretion by the mandibular gland of the red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) during isoprenaline infusion

Intracarotid infusion of isoprenaline, either alone or in combination with acetylcholine infusion was used to stimulate salivation by the mandibular glands of anaesthetized red kangaroos. Isoprenaline alone (0.20-1.25 eta mol.kg-1.min-1) elicited flow rates ranging from 0.014 to 0.239 ml.min-1 (1.21-28.1 microliters.g gland-1.min-1). Salivary concentrations of sodium, chloride, phosphate and urea were negatively correlated with flow, whereas potassium, calcium, magnesium, hydrogen ion, bi-carbonate, protein, and osmolality were poorly correlated with flow. Relative to cholinergic saliva produced at equivalent flow rates, isoprenaline-evoked saliva had higher osmolality, saliva/plasma urea ratios and concentrations of protein, potassium, magnesium, bicarbonate, and phosphate, but lower sodium, chloride and hydrogen ion levels. At a steady salivary flow (0.5 ml.min-1), superim-position of isoprenaline infusion (0.15 eta mol.kg-1.min-1) on a pre-existing acetylcholine infusion reduced the rate of acetylcholine administration necessary to maintain flow, increased osmolality and the concentrations of protein, urea, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and phosphate and decreased sodium, chloride and hydrogen ion in the saliva. Salivary amylase activity was low and highly variable and the amylase activity/protein ratio fell substantially during isoprenaline stimulation. These results support the conclusion that the enzyme is of extrinsic origin. The response of the kangaroo mandibular gland to isoprenaline stimulation was very similar to that reported for rat mandibular gland, suggesting that the same ion transport phenomena underlie mandibular secretion in both species and probably in therian mammals generally.

The effect of beta-sympathomimetic stimulation on parotid salivation in the red kangaroo (Macropus rufus)

Salivation was stimulated by intracarotid isoprenaline infusion given alone or combined with acetylcholine. By itself, isoprenaline (0.12-1.2 nmol kg-1 min-1) stimulated flow rates of 0.037-0.233 ml min-1 (2.77-10.5 microliters/g gland per min). Salivary Na, Cl, PO4 and total solute concentrations were positively correlated with flow; K, Mg and urea were negatively correlated with flow; and Ca, H+, HCO3, protein and amylase activity were not correlated with flow. Relative to cholinergic saliva, isoprenaline-evoked saliva had higher levels of amylase activity, urea, protein, K, Mg, H+, PO4 and Cl but lower osmolality, Na, Ca and HCO3. At a steady flow (1 ml min-1), isoprenaline infusion (0.3 nmol kg-1 min-1) superimposed on a pre-existing acetylcholine infusion increased salivary amylase activity, protein, urea, K, Mg, Cl and PO4, reduced HCO3 and did not alter Na, Ca, H+ and osmolality. Superimposition of isoprenaline infusion (0.5 nmol kg-1 min-1) on a low-level acetylcholine infusion increased flow rate by 400-900%. Excretion rates of K, Mg, Cl and PO4 were higher and Ca lower than predicted for saliva secreted at equivalent flows during acetylcholine stimulation. Na, H+ and HCO3 were as predicted for the same flow rate under cholinergic stimulation. The simplest coherent interpretation of these data is that isoprenaline affects transport of protein and ions at the end organs, but has little effect on the resting transport characteristics of the striated and excretory ducts of the kangaroo parotid, in accord with the known nerve distribution of this gland.

Effects of acetylcholine, isoprenaline and forskolin on electrolyte and protein composition of rabbit mandibular saliva

1. The major purpose of this study was to investigate cellular regulation of the ductal transport processes in salivary glands which act to modify the electrolyte composition of primary saliva and cause it to become hypotonic. This was achieved using an isolated mandibular gland preparation by observing the effect of different stimuli on the electrolyte composition of saliva secreted at the same flow rate, on the assumption that these stimuli do not influence primary saliva composition. The effects of the same stimuli on the volume of primary fluid secretion and on protein secretion were also observed. Proteins were measured in total and as individual components after their separation by high-performance liquid chromatography. 2. Acetylcholine was used as a 'Ca2+-mobilizing' agonist (i.e. one which both elevates intracellular Ca2+ concentration and activates protein kinase C). Isoprenaline was initially used to elevate intracellular cyclic AMP concentration but was subsequently abandoned in favour of forskolin. 3. Acetylcholine was a very potent stimulus of primary fluid secretion. By contrast, isoprenaline and forskolin were essentially without effect, even when superimposed on acetylcholine stimulation. 4. As judged by saliva electrolyte composition, increasing the concentration of acetylcholine enhanced ductal absorption of Na+ and Cl- and secretion of K+ (and presumably HCO3-). Forskolin had the opposite effect: when superimposed on submaximal acetylcholine stimulation it caused saliva concentrations of Na+ and Cl- to remain high and K+ low (i.e. it inhibited ductal transport processes). The inhibitory effect of forskolin on ductal transport could be overcome by increasing the concentration of acetylcholine, and vice versa. 5. Acetylcholine, isoprenaline and forskolin each increased salivary protein secretion, although the kinetics of secretion differed. The spectrum of proteins secreted in response to the three stimuli was the same. The relative proportions of the individual proteins was influenced by the strength of stimulation (i.e. the proportions at high total protein output differed from those at low total protein output) but not apparently by the nature of the stimulus. 6. Thus, the three major secretory processes in the rabbit mandibular salivary gland respond differently to the two major signal transduction mechanisms. For primary fluid secretion, Ca2+ is stimulatory and cyclic AMP almost without effect; for ductal transport, Ca2+ is stimulatory and cyclic AMP inhibitory; and for protein secretion both Ca2+ and cyclic AMP are stimulatory.

Effects of sympathetic nerve stimulation in the presence of specific adrenergic antagonists on Na, K, and Cl transport in perfused rat submandibular duct

The role of beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors in the modification of Na, K, and Cl transport in submandibular main duct of rat perfused with bicarbonate saline solution was studied with direct sympathetic nerve stimulation (4 V, 5 ms, 20 Hz) in the presence of specific adrenergic antagonists. Nerve stimulation in the presence of phenoxybenzamine (3 mg/kg b. wt., i.p.) and butoxamine (3 mg/kg b. w.t., i.p.) enhanced Na (44%) and Cl (35%) absorption but inhibited K (24%) secretion. On the other hand, the nerve-evoked response in the presence of phenoxybenzamine and metoprolol (3 mg/kg b. wt., i.p.) decreased K (19%) secretion without any changes in Na and Cl absorption. Therefore, the data suggest that beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors may be present in the duct cells and activation of these receptors can modify electrolyte transport. Furthermore, prior administration of phenoxybenzamine, butoxamine, and metoprolol suppressed the effects of sympathetic nerve stimulation on transductal fluxes of Na, K and Cl; this indicates that the dosages of antagonists used were sufficiently high to block a nerve-evoked response.

Ion transport and water movement

Secretion of water and electrolytes in salivary glands occurs by a dual process involving the formation of a plasma-like, isotonic primary secretion in salivary acini and its subsequent modification in salivary ducts by the removal and addition of specific ions. The mechanisms underlying the formation of primary acinar secretion have been investigated with a number of experimental approaches such as electrophysiology, the measurement of ion transport in gland fragments and dispersed acinar cells, and the evaluation of the ionic requirements for secretion in isolated, perfused gland preparations. The accumulated evidence suggests that salivary secretion is formed by a complex interaction between passive and active ion movements across acinar cell membranes, resulting in the trans-acinar movement of Cl- and Na+ and, by the osmotic gradient which develops, of water. A major consequence of stimulation is the release of K+ through Ca++- and voltage-sensitive channels and its subsequent recycling back into the cells by ouabain- and furosemide-sensitive transport systems. This results in NaCl uptake across the basolateral cell membrane and the subsequent efflux of Cl through luminal membrane channels, which also appear to be sensitive to cellular Ca++. The rates of these various ion movements appear to be, therefore, closely linked and interdependent. Ductal modification of the primary secretion has been studied in microperfused duct preparations. The evidence likewise indicates that it involves interactions between complex conductance pathways in the luminal cell membrane and a Na, K pump present in the basolateral cell membrane and that it is under autonomic and hormonal control. Activation of ductal transport mechanisms results in NaCl reabsorption and KHCO3 secretion. Final saliva thus differs from primary secretion in electrolyte composition and, because water permeability is low in the duct epithelium, becomes hypotonic. Alterations in fluid and electrolyte secretion such as those observed in disease can result, therefore, from disturbances in one or more of these complex transport processes in acinar or duct cells.

Effect of clonidine on secretion of fluid and ions by the parotid and submandibular glands of the rat

Secretion in response to this alpha 2-adrenergic agonist was evaluated in the presence and absence of several adrenergic antagonists, reserpine and sympathectomy (Sx). In both glands, the response was qualitatively but not quantitatively similar to that induced by the alpha 1-adrenergic agonist, phenylephrine, in the presence of propranolol. With clonidine, the volume of submandibular saliva was much higher but the Ca concentration was 3-4 times lower than that of the parotid; both salivas had low Na but high K concentrations. Clonidine-induced secretion was almost completely blocked by the alpha 1-adrenergic antagonist, prazosin and a mixed alpha-adrenergic antagonist, phentolamine, and markedly reduced by the alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist, yohimbine, but unaffected by the beta-adrenergic antagonist, propranolol. Reserpine reduced the parotid, but enhanced the submandibular secretory response to clonidine. Results in Sx glands were similar. Thus, in the rat glands clonidine may activate alpha 1-rather than alpha 2-adrenoceptors, which appear to play a part similar to alpha 1-adrenoceptors only after reserpine or Sx.

Effects of adrenergic agonists on electrolyte transport in perfused salivary duct of rat

The Na and Cl absorption and K secretion that occur in the main duct of rat submandibular gland are affected by adrenergic actions. The specific effects of stimulation of alpha-, beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors on net transepithelial fluxes of Na, K and Cl were investigated in microperfused main excretory duct of rat submandibular gland. Administration of methoxamine (2.5 micrograms . kg-1 . min-1, i.v.) resulted in marked decreases in net efflux (or absorption) of Na (38%) from the duct into the interstitial fluid and net influx (or secretion) of K (20%) from interstitial fluid into the ductal lumen without any effect on net efflux or reabsorption of Cl. A higher dose of methoxamine (5 micrograms . kg-1 . min-1, i.v.) produced further inhibition of net fluxes of Na and K without affecting net flux of Cl. Dobutamine (50 micrograms . kg-1 . min-1, i.v.) enhanced net effluxes of Na (40%) and Cl (300%) from the lumen but did not alter net K influx into the lumen. When the dosage of dobutamine was increased to 200 micrograms . kg-1 . min-1, an inhibition of net influx of K (28%) into ductal fluid was observed in addition to enhanced net fluxes of Na and Cl from the lumen. Administration of terbutaline (15 and 30 micrograms . kg-1 . min-1, i.v.) decreased net influx of K (30-40%) and increased net efflux of Cl (280%) without affecting net efflux of Na.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Volume and composition of pilocarpine- and isoproterenol-stimulated submandibular saliva of early postnatal rats

Submandibular saliva was collected from early postnatal rats by cannulation of the main excretory duct of individual glands after i.p. injections of pilocarpine (10 mg/kg body weight) or isoproterenol (10 mg/kg body weight). With this method of saliva collection, a secretory response to pilocarpine was observed at two wk of age. The average weight of 40 glands was 35.6 +/- 1.6 mg, and the average volume of saliva secreted in 60 min was 32 +/- 2.2 microliters. By three wk of age, the gland had approximately doubled in size (average weight of 39 glands = 61.9 +/- 3.1 mg), and the average total volume of saliva secreted in 60 min was more than three times larger (120.4 +/- 10.5 microliters) than that secreted by two-week-old rats. The relationship between electrolyte (Na+, K+, Ca++) and protein concentrations and rate of flow was similar to that observed in pilocarpine-stimulated adult saliva, and did not differ appreciably in the saliva of two- and three-week-old animals. A measurable secretory response to isoproterenol was observed at three wk of age when saliva was collected by duct cannulation. The average total volume of saliva secreted in 60 min was 48 +/- 3.1 microliters, and salivary Na+ and K+ concentrations, and their relationship to flow rate, were similar to those of isoproterenol-stimulated adult saliva. Saliva Ca++ and protein concentrations were also generally similar to those of isoproterenol-stimulated adult saliva. Total protein output (in 60 min) was 2 1/2 times greater in three-week-old rats with isoproterenol stimulation (compared to pilocarpine stimulation), but was significantly smaller than that of isoproterenol-stimulated adult glands. It is concluded that the submandibular gland of early postnatal rats is capable of secreting saliva in vivo following cholinergic and beta-adrenergic stimulation, and that this ability corresponds with the appearance of the corresponding autonomic receptors, but precedes cytodifferentiation. Ductal transport of electrolytes is well-developed at this stage of postnatal development, but fluid and protein output is smaller than in adult glands and requires full morphological maturation of acinar cells.

Stimulatory and inhibitory effects of substance P on rat submandibular secretion

Intravenous infusions of the undecapeptide substance P caused a moderate but transient secretory response from the rat submandibular gland. The electrolyte composition of the saliva elicited by this peptide was qualitatively similar to that of the secretion induced by parasympathomimetic agents. Substance P inhibited the secretory response to acetylcholine and isoproterenol, but did not modify the binding of specific ligands to glandular autonomic receptors. It is concluded that this naturally occurring peptide plays a role in the physiologic regulation of salivary secretions, which involves both direct stimulatory effects and a modulating action on the effect of autonomic neurotransmitters on the salivary gland cells. The latter may involve similar effects of substance P and the neurotransmitters on a metabolic pathway localized beyond receptor activation.

Electrolyte and protein secretion by the perfused rabbit mandibular gland stimulated with acetylcholine or catecholamines

1. A method is described for the isolation and vascular perfusion in vitro of the mandibular gland of the rabbit. The perfusate is a physiological salt solution containing glucose as the only metabolic substrate.2. During perfusion with solutions containing acetylcholine, the gland secretes vigorously at a rate and in a manner similar to that seen in vivo. Although the gland becomes oedematous during perfusion, the extent of this oedema appears to have no influence on secretory ability: the perfused glands were capable of functioning for at least 4 h, and often for more than 6 h.3. Acetylcholine evoked a small secretory response at a concentration of 8 x 10(-9) mol l(-1) and a maximum response at 8 x 10(-7) mol l(-1). Eserine (2 x 10(-5) mol l(-1)) evoked secretory responses comparable to those evoked by acetylcholine in a concentration of 8 x 10(-9) mol l(-1). Secretion, whether unstimulated or evoked by acetylcholine or eserine, could be blocked completely by atropine.4. During prolonged stimulation with acetylcholine, the fluid secretory response declined rapidly over a period of about 15 min from an initial high value to a much lower plateau value. After 3 or more hours of stimulation, the secretory response began once more to decline, this time towards zero. If, before the second period of decline begins, stimulation is interrupted for about 30 min, the gland recovers its initial responsiveness to further stimulation with acetylcholine.5. The Na, K, Cl and HCO(3) concentrations and the osmolality of acetylcholine evoked saliva exhibited flow-dependency similar to that seen in vivo. The concentrations of Na and Cl, but not K and HCO(3), increased by about 25 mmol l(-1) during periods of prolonged stimulation with acetylcholine even though the salivary secretory rate was constant. The concentrations of K and HCO(3), but not Na and Cl, increased progressively as the concentration of infused acetylcholine was increased.6. Salivary protein secretion increased with increasing concentrations of acetylcholine to a greater extent than did fluid secretion. During continuous stimulation, the rate of protein secretion fell off much faster than the rate of fluid secretion.7. The beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol evoked a fluid secretory response only equal to about 5% of that evoked by acetylcholine, but still the response declined during continued stimulation. The electrolyte composition of isoproterenol-evoked saliva was vastly different from that evoked by acetylcholine, being particularly rich in K and HCO(3). The isoproterenol-evoked saliva was also extremely rich in protein so that the total protein secretion evoked by isoproterenol was much greater than that evoked by acetylcholine.8. The alpha-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine was without stimulatory effect on salivary fluid secretion and caused a reduction in the secretory response to acetylcholine. The drug had little or no effect on the electrolyte content of acetylcholine-evoked saliva and appeared to reduce its protein content.

The action of physalaemin on electrolyte excretion by the mandibular and sublingual salivary glands of the rat

The effect of physalaemin, an undecapeptide belonging to a family known collectively as the tachykinins, on water and electrolyte excretion of the mandibular and sublingual salivary glands of the rat has been investigated and compared to that of acetylcholine. Drugs were administered intravenously or by close-arterial infusion. Physalaemin is a powerful stimulant of fluid secretion by both glands although less potent than acetylcholine. The Na and K excretion patterns in physalaemin-evoked saliva resembled, but were by no means identical to those evoked by acetylcholine and other parasympathomimetic drugs: saliva evoked by physalaemin was considerably poorer in Na and K at all secretory rates. The HCO3 excretion curves, on the other hand, seemed to be identical to those evoked by parasympathomimetic drugs. From an analysis of the Na and K excretion patterns, it can be concluded, both for the mandibular and the sublingual glands, that physalaemin stimulated Na reabsorption and K secretion across the gland duct epitheluim, whereas acetylcholine has the opposite effect. These findings agree nicely with what has previously been demonstrated in vitro in the isolated perfused main excretory duct of the rat mandibular gland.

Modification of salivary duct electrolyte transport in rat and rabbit by physalaemin, VIP, GIP and other enterohormones

The effects of various polypeptide enterohormones and the tachykinin secretogogue, physalaemin, on electrolyte transport by the main excretory duct of the mandibular gland of the rabbit were studied in vitro. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP, 2 X 10(-11) mol 1(-1)) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP, 10(-11) mol 1(-1)) reduced nett Na+ movement from lumen to interstitium and VIP also reduced the transepithelial potential difference; the effective concentrations of the two hormones lay within the range of normal plasma concentrations. Gastrin (5 x 10(-7) mol 1(-1)) and synthetic secretin (2 x 10(-7) mol 1(-1)) had similar effects but only at concentrations well above the normal plasma levels. Caerulein, an analogue of the octapeptide of cholecystokinin, had no effect on duct function even at a concentration of 10(-6) mol 1(-1). The potent salivary secretogogue, physalaemin (4 x 10(-8) mol 1(-1)), which is an analogue of Substance P, a putative mammalian enterohormone and neurotransmitter substance, caused a marked increase in ductal Na transport (in rat as well as rabbit). It is concluded that VIP and GIP would normally play a role in determining salivary electrolyte composition and it is postulated that their action may be antagonized by a tachykinin such as Substance P.

A micropuncture study of the handling of calcium by the rat parotid

The handling of Ca by the rat parotid gland was investigated using micropuncture, microperfusion, and microanalytical techniques. Concentrations of Ca were measured in salivary fluid from intercalated, lobular and main ducts, and net transductal fluxes of Ca and water were calculated during stimulation of secretion with acetylcholine, pilocarpine, and DL-isoproterenol.

Effects of catecholamines and adrenergic blockade on fluid reabsorption in isolated rat cauda epidiymidis

The rate of fluid reabsorption in the cauda epididymidis of rat has been measured in vitro. Both adrenaline and isoprenaline produced a prompt, reversible and dose dependent increase in the reabsorption rate. These effects were completely blocked by propranolol. The response to noradrenaline consisted of two components. In the presence of an alpha blocker, noradrenaline caused an increase, while in the presence of a beta blocker, it produced an inhibition in the rate of fluid reabsorption. The effects of these adrenergic agents were only observed when sodium ions were present in the intraluminal fluid, suggesting that they only affect the Na+-dependent component of fluid reabsorption. The possibility that they may affect the active transport of sodium in terms of the presence of alpha and beta receptors in the epithelium of the rat cauda epididymidis.

Secretion of a potassium-rich fluid by the secretory coil of the rat paw eccrine sweat gland

1. It is already known that the rat paw eccrine sweat contains high K(+) (greater than 150 mM) and low Na(+) concentrations (less than 70 mM). The present study was intended to clarify the site of K(+) secretion within the sweat gland, namely, the duct or the secretory coil. In vivo paw sweat was first induced by systemic pilocarpine injection or nerve stimulation. Both K(+) and Na(+) concentrations were studied in relation to the sweat rate to determine indirectly whether there is ductal secretion or reabsorption.2. Both Na(+) and K(+) concentrations in paw sweat agreed with the previous studies but did not show any saturation-type flow dependence at the high sweat rate range.3. A method has been developed to isolate a single segment of the secretory coil and induce sweat secretion directly from it in an in vitro condition.4. In the presence of fresh serum (30%, preincubated for 30 min at 56 degrees C) in the incubation medium, stable secretory activity due to 10(-6)M-Mecholyl could be maintained for 40 min or longer. The primary sweat thus induced contained low Na(+) (30 mM) and high K(+) (160 mM) concentrations.5. In the secretory coil sweat in vitro, K(+) concentration decreased and Na(+) concentration increased as the secretory rate fell either spontaneously or after addition of atropine or cyanide.6. It remains to be studied whether auxiliary ductal secretion or reabsorption is present at low rates of sweating in the rat sweat gland.7. It was concluded that the secretory coil of the rat paw sweat gland is the major, if not the sole, site of K(+) secretion.

Effects of parathyroid hormone on total protein, calcium magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium concentrations of normal human parotid saliva

The effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH) administered to six young normal adult subjects on protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium concentrations in parotid saliva have been studied in relation to the salivary flow rate. Stensen's duct was cannulated and excretion patterns of the constituents determined before and after stimulation of saliva production by lemon juice. After a control period (period 1), 50 U of PTH were given i.v. followed by an infusion of 2 U/min for 60-90 min (period 2). In the absence of any detectable changes in plasma, PTH induced a significant rise of salivary protein, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations at rest and following lemon juice stimulation, and of sodium concentration, but only at high flow rates for the latter. PTH did not change magnesium and potassium excretions significantly. Control experiments without PTH were performed on five other subjects. Protein, phosphorus and potassium concentrations did not change significantly between period 1 and period 2. Calcium and sodium excretions were reduced and magnesium excretion increased during period 2. These results provide evidence that PTH acts on the parotid gland by affecting protein secretion and electrolyte transport. Possible mechanisms of these changes are discussed.

pH and bicarbonate excretion in the rat parotid gland as a function of salivary rate

The bicarbonate concentration in rat parotid saliva increases with increasing flow rates and approximates plasma values at highest salivation. At lowest flow rates the bicarbonate concentration in the secretory fluid markedly exceeds the plasma levels. Intravenous administration of acetazolamide has no influence on the bicarbonate excretion of the parotid gland. Following retrograde application of acetazolamide into the gland duct the concentrations of both bicarbonate and sodium are elevated. The potassium concentrations in final saliva exceed 70 mEq/l at flow rates below 5 mul/min g gland weight. With increasing flow rates a precipitous decrease in potassium concentration below 10 mEq/l occurs. With further increase in flow rate the potassium concentration remains unchanged. The sodium concentrations increased with augmented salivation rate. At lowest flow rates the sodium concentrations showed an increase of modest degree. Our findings can best be explained by the existence of two independent ductular mechanism: a) bicarbonate reabsorption probably in the striated ducts of the parotid gland; b) secretion of potassium with concomitand secretion of bicarbonate in the main excretory duct.

The action of neurotransmitter hormones and analogues and cyclic nucleotides and theophylline on electrolyte transport by the excretory duct of the rabbit mandibular gland

The effects of autonomic drugs on electrolyte transport by the main duct of the rabbit mandibular gland were studied in vitro. Acetylcholine, in concentrations as low as 10(-10) M, reduced nett Na+ reabsorption and partially depolarized the transepithelial potential difference (P.D.); the effects were blocked by atropine. Acetylcholine was relatively ineffective applied from the luminal rather than the interstitial surface of the duct. Noradrenaline and isoproterenol produced similar effects to acetylcholine but the minimum effective concentrations were much higher (10(-7) M and 10(-3) M, respectively). It was concluded that the duct cells possessed specific muscarinic receptors on the basal cell membrane but that adrenergic receptors, particularly beta receptors, were either scanty or lacking altogether. Theophylline (10(-5) M) could mimic the effects of the autonomic drugs and produced a dramatic potentiation of the action of acetylcholine. Both cAMP and cGMP (4 times 10(-5) M) mimicked the acetylcholine response but cAMP was only effective when applied to the luminal cell membrane. It is proposed that cAMP is the intracellular mediator of the acetylcholine response and that it produces some of its effects by acting on an enzyme system close to the apical cell membrane.