| Abstract: | The effects of monensin and salinomycin (ionophorous antibiotics) on amylase release in the parotid glands were investigated in the superfused segments of sheep and rat. Monensin and salinomycin as well as acetylcholine and isoprenaline caused enhanced amylase release in a dose-dependent manner. Salinomycin was significantly more effective than monensin in both animals. The enhanced amylase release evoked by these ionophores and acetylcholine was significantly reduced in a calcium-free solution containing EGTA. From these results it is concluded that monensin and salinomycin transport calcium ions into the cytosol of parotid acinar cells from the extracellular fluid, resulting in amylase release. |
