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Published on: September 16, 2010
In vitro studies of frog mucous glands
Acta Physiologica Scandinavica
|August 1, 1977
Summary
Frog skin mucous glands release ions (Na+, Cl-) upon nerve stimulation. Initial release is rapid, then slows, suggesting both pre-made secretion ejection and new production. This ionic secretion is mediated indirectly by nerve signals.
Area of Science:
- * Amphibian physiology
- * Neuroendocrinology
- * Ion transport mechanisms
Background:
- * Mucous glands in frog skin secrete ions (Na+, Cl-).
- * Nervous control of glandular secretion is not fully understood.
- * Myoepithelial cells surround secretory gland cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To quantify ionic outflow from frog skin mucous glands.
- * To investigate the relationship between nerve stimulation and ionic secretion.
- * To elucidate the mechanism of nervous control over ionic secretion.
Main Methods:
- * Excised frog nerve-skin preparation.
- * Measurement of ionic outflow via conductance changes in a fluid layer.
- * Stimulation of sympathetic nerve fibers and administration of adrenergic agonists/antagonists.
Main Results:
- * Ionic outflow increased with nerve volleys, initially constant then diminishing.
- * Outflow ceased after a maximum number of stimuli.
- * Adrenaline and noradrenaline induced outflow, inhibited by propranolol (beta-blocker).
- * Nervous control likely indirect via myoepithelial cells or cell coupling.
Conclusions:
- * Nerve stimulation causes both ejection of pre-formed secretion and de novo production.
- * Sympathetic nerve stimulation, via adrenergic pathways, controls ionic secretion.
- * Indirect neural mechanisms are proposed for glandular control.
