The in vitro characterization of adrenergic receptors in isolated rat parotid acinar cells was accomplished through investigations of the transmembrane influxes of K and of the secretion of amylase in response to interactions of the cells with selected agonists and antagonists. Interaction of epinephrine (EPI) at concentrations of 10(-3)-10(-9) M with the alpha-adrenergic receptors resulted in rapid efflux of K from the cells. This effect was inhibited by phentolamine but not by propranolol or atropine. The process of secretion of amylase by these cells involved the activation of the beta-adrenergic receptors by the adrenergic agonists DL-isoproterenol (IPR) and EPI at similar to above concentrations. The interaction of these agonists with the beta receptors was inhibited by propranolol but not by phentolamine or atropine. Dibutyryl clclic AMP stimulated secretion of amylase at concentrations of 10(-8) M. A progressive increase in the secretory response of the cells was observed with increases in the dibutyryl cyclic AMP concentrations up to 10(-5) M. This effect was not inhibited by propranolol. This study demonstrates that dispersed rat parotid acinar cells have functionally intact adrenergic receptors and could be used as experimental tools for the studies of receptor physiology and pharmacology as well as other aspects of secretion at the cellular level.

No abstract

The APS Journal Legacy Content is the corpus of 100 years of historical scientific research from the American Physiological Society research journals. This package goes back to the first issue of each of the APS journals including the American Journal of Physiology, first published in 1898. The full text scanned images of the printed pages are easily searchable. Downloads quickly in PDF format.

The relative frequency of the delta F508 mutation in the Greek population is 54.1%; this is similar to that reported in other Southern European populations and contrasts with the considerably higher frequencies encountered in Northern Europe and North America. The low frequency is in agreement with the linkage disequilibrium already reported between cystic fibrosis and haplotype B in this country. In contrast to the common association of pancreatic insufficiency with the homozygous delta F508 genotype, the present study revealed two homozygous children with no evidence of pancreatic failure.

Documentation of pancreatic insufficiency in children with CF is important since 20% have normal function and do not require specific treatment. Currently, there are no simple tests to determine pancreatic function in children. We have evaluated a new