Altered enzyme release by virus infected mouse salivary glands

The rates of release of salivary amylase and esterase from normal and polyoma virus infected mouse submandibular glands were measured in a continuous flow perifusion system. Following stimulation by epinephrine, the rate of release of esterase by the infected glands was significantly greater than that from control glands. The rate of amylase release, while greater from infected glands, was not significantly different. The total enzyme contents from infected and control tissues were similar. Cyclic GMP was found to be higher in the infected glands than the control glands, suggesting one possible mechanism for the higher rates of enzyme release by infected tissues.