Cyclic AMP regulation of active chloride transport in the rectal gland of marine elasmobranchs.

Active transport of chloride in the salt secreting rectal gland of the dogfish Squalus acanthias is markedly stimulated by the addition of theophylline (0.01 to 5 mM) or dibutyryl cyclic AMP (0.05 mM) during in vitro perfusion. The effect occurs promptly and may persist for two hours. Specific hormonal effectors have not yet been identified. The isolated perfused rectal gland thus offers a unique opportunity to examine the cellular mechanisms of active chloride secretion.