Effect of transport inhibitors on secretion by perfused rat submandibular gland

Abstract
Ouabain (10-3 M) caused a 95.8% reduction in the volume of saliva secreted during a 60 min period by the isolated, perfused submandibular gland of the rat exposed to acetylcholine (10-6 M) and modified salivery cation (Na and K) concentrations, but not salivary Cl concentrations. Furosemide (10-3 M) caused a 74.9% reduction in saliva volume and significantly reduced salivary Cl concentrations but did not modify salivary Na or K. Ethacrynic acid (10-4 M) resulted in a 58.6% reduction in saliva volume, increased salivary Na and Cl concentrations, and reduced salivary K+ concentrations at low rates of flow. An ouabain-sensitive Na+-K+-ATPase and a furosemide-sensitive NaCl cotransport system probably contribute to acetylcholine-induced fluid secretion in the rat submandibular gland. The Na+-K+-ATPase probably provides the energy or driving force for the NaCl cotransport system by maintaining a Na+ gradient in the salivary cells. The lesser effect of ethacrynic acid on saliva volumes may result from a quantitatively smaller action on the same NaCl cotransport affected by furosemide. An ouabain-sensitive pump present in salivary ducts regulates transductual transport of Na and K.