Abstract
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-like immunoreactivity was demonstrated in the lingual salt glands of the estuarine crocodile,Crocodylus porosus.Varicose fibers showing VIP-like immunoreactivity ramified the salt glands, forming a dense network around the basal region of the exocrine cells. Secretions from the lingual salt glands were monitored in hatchlingC. porosus.Spontaneous secretory activity was variable, ranging from 0.3 to 5.3 μmol Na 100 g−0.7bm hr−1(bm, body mass). Administration of a 100-μl bolus of 0.9% NaCl, via a cannulated femoral vein, did not affect the spontaneous secretory rate. However, injection of 100 pmol porcine VIP resulted in a massive increase in secretory activity, reaching a maximum of 58.2 μmol of Na 100 g−0.7bm hr−1. The presence of VIP-like immunoreactivity and the positive secretory effect of administered VIP indicate a potential action of VIP on salt gland activity.
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