Differential Effects of Calcium Ions on Glycoconiugate Secretion by Canine Tracheal Explants

Abstract

Secretion of macromolecules from different exocrine glands is known to be dependent upon calcium ions. 1 Selinger Z Naim E. The effect of calcium on amylase secretion by rat parotid slices.. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1970; 203: 335-337 Crossref PubMed Scopus (40) Google Scholar , 2 Hokin LE. Effects of calcium omission on acetylcholinestimulated amylase secretion and phospholipid synthesis in pigeon pancreas slices.. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1966; 115: 219-221 Crossref PubMed Scopus (85) Google Scholar In these studies, macromolecule release, induced by various secretagogues, is accompanied by a rise in intracellular calcium originating either from the extra cellular space or from intracellular organelles. 3 Case RM Clausen T. The relationship between calcium exchange and enzyme secretion in the isolated rat pancreas.. J Physiol. 1973; 235: 75-102 Crossref PubMed Scopus (147) Google Scholar It is not known whether the secretion of mucus by the airway is dependent on calcium ions although, in a short study of the chicken airway, Balfre 4 Balfre K. The effects of calcium and calcium ionophore A23187 on mucin secretion and potential difference in the isolated chicken trachea.. J Physiol. 1978; 275: 80-P-81P Google Scholar demonstrated both Ca2 + dependent increases and decreases in mucus secretion. In this study, we have used canine tracheal explants to investigate the effect of calcium ions on both the release of 14C-glucosamine-labeled glycoconjugates and the activity of airway secretory cells, particularly of the submucosal glands.