Polyamine metabolism in isoproterenol-stimulated mouse salivary glands.

Isoproterenol (0.3 micronmole/gm body weight) was injected intraperitoneally every 24 h for three days. The synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid, the concentration of putrescine, spermidine and spermine and the activities of ornithine decarboxylase and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase were measured in parotid and submandibular glands at 4 to 8 h after each injection. The parotid glands responded with peaks of DNA synthesis at 24 and 72 h and peaks of putrescine content and decarboxylase activities 8 to 12 h after each injection. Spermidine increased steadily in the parotid, whereas there was little change in the spermine concentration throughout the 72 h. Polyamine metabolism showed much less response in the submandibular gland, and little or no increase in spermidine or spermine levels or in DNA synthesis was observed.