The role of cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP) in the ability of sympathetic nerve stimulation to enhance growth and secretion in rat salivary glands in vivo.

1. The cyclic AMP content of the rat salivary glands was measured after sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve stimulation, and after the administration of isoprenaline and phenylephrine. 2. Stimulation of the sympathetic nerves (20 Hz, 1 msec supramaximal voltage for 30 sec of every min) initially raised the cyclic AMP level in both the parotid and submaxillary glands. The rise, which was blocked by propranolol, was not maintained and declined during stimulation from the maximum (reached after 3 min stimulation) to control levels after approximately 15 min. Stimulation of the parasympathetic nerves for 5 min did not raise the cyclic AMP levels. 3. Isoprenaline and phenylephrine raised the cyclic AMP level in both glands. 4. Theophylline enhanced the growth of the parotid and submaxillary glands as measured either by an increase in the wet and dry weights or in acinar axes lengths. N6O2-dibutyryl cyclic monophosphoric acid (dibutyryl cyclic AMP), did not enhance the growth of the glands. 5. It is concluded that cyclic AMP does not directly control cell growth in the rat salivary glands but may be a 'trigger' for events leading eventually to increased growth.