Cyclic AMP in the sublingual glands of the mouse

1. The cyclic AMP levels in the sublingual glands of the mouse has been determined in relation to mucin secretion under the influence of several agonists in vivo and in vitro. 2. Isoprenaline increased the cyclic AMP level in these glands only in the presence of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, indicating the presence of an active cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. 3. Inhibition of phosphodiesterase results in an increase of the cyclic AMP levels. EGTA prolonged the effect of the PDE-inhibitors, indicating that Ca2+-ions may be involved in the maintenance of the cyclic AMP concentration in the sublingual glands. 4. NaF is able to induce both a slight increase of the cyclic AMP level and a significant mucin secretion by the sublingual glands. However, other secretagogues do not significantly influence the cyclic AMP concentration in these glands, and compounds which do not elevate its level, do not significantly stimulate sublingual mucin secretion. 5. These data suggest that there is no direct relationship between cyclic AMP and sublingual mucin secretion.