On the disposition of [3H]metaraminol in the rat salivary gland*

Abstract

The left salivary glands of rats were sympathetically denervated or decentralized. In some experiments the excretory ducts of the left submaxillary and sublingual glands were ligated to produce atrophy of the acinar cells. The rats received [3H]metaraminol (3H-MA) intravenously and were killed at various time intervals thereafter. The amount of 3H-MA in the salivary glands was determined. 3H-MA was taken up and retained in the intact gland, but disappeared rapidly from the denervated one, indicating that 3H-MA is taken up and stored in the adrenergic neuron. Decentralization resulted in a decreased turnover of the amine, especially during the first 18 hr, which supports the view that metaraminol is released by nerve activity. The ability of the salivary gland to take up 3H-MA was diminished by glandular atrophy, and the disappearance of the 3H-MA so taken up was delayed.