Changes in Calcium Transport Across Calliphora Salivary Glands Induced by 5-Hydroxytryptamine and Cyclic Nucleotides

Abstract

The efflux of ⁴⁵Ca from prelabelled salivary glands was studied under a variety of conditions. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) or cyclic AMP caused a large release of label most of which entered the saliva. The ionophore A23187 caused a similar release of calcium but EGTA had no effect. The presence of an active calcium pump on the lumenal surface was investigated further by studying calcium transport across the gland. This transport of calcium, which provides a measure of calcium entry into the cell, was very sensitive to 5-HT concentration but little affected by cyclic AMP. The small cyclic AMP-dependent transport was depressed by 8-bromo cyclic GMP with a parallel fall in the rate of fluid secretion. These studies provide more direct evidence that 5-HT acts to stimulate the entry of external calcium in addition to mobilizing internal calcium. Note: On sabbatical leave from the University of Massachusetts, Boston.