STIMULATING EFFECT OF α-ADRENOCEPTOR AGONISTS ON ISOPROTERENOL-INDUCED AMYLASE RELEASE IN RAT PAROTID TISSUE

Abstract

Isoproterenol (ISO)-induced amylase release from rat parotid slices was increased by the addition of methoxamine to either a normal or a calcium (Ca)-free medium. The potentiating effect of methoxamine was completely blocked by the addition of phentolamine, irrespective of whether the slices were incubated in the normal or the Ca-free medium; and the effect also disappeared after prolonged preincubation (60 min) of the slices in the Ca-free medium. Both verapamil and procaine reduced methoxamine-induced amylase release, but only verapamil blocked the stimulating effect of methoxamine in the normal medium. ISO-induced accumulation of cyclic AMP in the slices was unaffected by methoxamine or phenylephrine. The results suggest a possibility that the potentiating effect of methoxamine on ISO-induced amylase release may be independent of the presence of extracellular Ca and the increased accumulation of cyclic AMP in the tissue is unnecessary.