Effect of substance P and eledoisin on K+ efflux, amylase release and cyclic nucleotide levels in slices of rat parotid gland.

The undecapeptides, substance P and eledoisin, caused a rapid, concentration-dependent increase in K+ efflux and amylase release from parotid tissue slices. The effects were not blocked by beta-adrenergic, alpha-adrenergic, or cholinergic antagonists. Incubation buffer calcium was required for stimulation of K efflux and amylase release. The action of the undecapepides was independent of any effects on parotid cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP levels. Since the actions of the undecapeptides were Ca2+ dependent and no effects on cyclic nucleotide levels were discerned it was concluded that Ca2+ plays a primary role in agonist regulation of K+ efflux from the parotid.