Role of calcium in the fade of the potassium release response in the rat parotid gland.

1. The 86Rb release response in the parotid due to alpha-adrenergic (epinephrine), muscarinic (carbachol) or peptide (Substance P) receptor activation exhibited 'fade': a return of efflux to control levels despite the continuing presence of agonist. 2. The time course of fade of the response to all three agonists was independent of the concentration of the agonist. 3. After fade was fully developed to one agonist, the response to an agonist acting on a different receptor was either absent or greatly diminished. 4. Removal of carbachol from muscarinic receptors with atropine 10 min prior to Substance P partially restored the ability of Substance P to produce a response. 5. Fade of the response with all three agonists was greatly retarded by the omission of Ca. 6. release of alpha-amylase did not appear to fade following exposure to carbachol or Substance P. 7. It is concluded that the K+ release response may be inactivated with time due to diminution in responsiveness of the K+ channel to an increase in internal Ca2+.