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Published on: January 25, 2018
Acetate stimulates secretion in the rabbit mandibular gland
Pflugers Archiv : European Journal of Physiology
|May 1, 1989
Summary
Acetate significantly boosts salivary fluid secretion in rabbit mandibular glands, acting as a transportable anion. This process involves an amiloride-sensitive sodium-hydrogen (Na+-H+) antiport, suggesting a regulatory role for acetate in saliva production.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Salivary Gland Research
Background:
- Salivary fluid secretion is crucial for oral health.
- The role of anions like bicarbonate (HCO3-) in salivary secretion is established.
- The potential contribution of short-chain fatty acids, such as acetate, to salivary secretion remains less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the stimulatory effect of acetate on fluid secretion in isolated perfused rabbit mandibular glands.
- To determine if acetate itself is transported into salivary endpieces.
- To elucidate the transport mechanism and potential regulatory role of acetate in salivary secretion.
Main Methods:
- Perfusion of isolated rabbit mandibular glands with solutions containing varying anions (acetate, HCO3-, Cl-).
- Stimulation of secretion using acetylcholine at different concentrations.
- Pharmacological inhibition studies using amiloride, SITS, and probenecid to probe transport mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Replacement of HCO3- with 25 mM acetate increased fluid secretion by over 100%.
- Acetate alone (146 mM) supported secretion at 50% of control rate, inhibited 90% by amiloride.
- Acetate-mediated secretion involved an amiloride-sensitive Na+-H+ antiport, with SITS having no effect and probenecid showing complex inhibition patterns.
Conclusions:
- Acetate is transported by salivary endpieces via an amiloride-sensitive Na+-H+ antiport.
- Acetate can substitute for bicarbonate and chloride in supporting salivary fluid secretion.
- Acetate may play a regulatory or modifier role in salivary secretion, particularly at lower acetylcholine concentrations.
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