TRPV4 activation in mouse submandibular gland modulates Ca2+ influx and salivation

Transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 4 (TRPV4) is a ligand-gated nonselective cation channel that participates in the transduction of mechanical and osmotic stimuli in different tissues. TRPV4 is activated by endogenous arachidonic acid metabolites, 4α-phorbol-12,13 didecanoate, GSK1016790A, moderate heat, and mechanical stress. TRPV4 is expressed in the salivary glands, but its expression pattern and function are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional role of TRPV4 channels in the mouse submandibular gland. Using RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, we detected expression of TRPV4 message and protein, respectively, in the submandibular gland. Immunolocalization studies showed that TRPV4 targeted to the basolateral membrane of mouse submandibular gland acinar cells. Pharmacological TRPV4 activation using the selective agonist GSK1016790A caused Ca(2+) influx in isolated acinar cells in a basal-to-apical wave. Consistent with these observations, GSK1016790A elicited salivation in the perfused submandibular gland that was dependent on extracellular Ca(2+). In summary, we report that activation of TRPV4 channels induced Ca(2+) influx and salivation and, thus, may contribute a novel nonadrenergic, noncholinergic secretion pathway in the mouse submandibular gland.