Stimulation of glucose oxidation in rat submandibular gland cells in vitro by analogues of cyclic AMP.

Secretion from salivary glands, following autonomic stimulation, is energy-dependent. Rat submandibular gland cells, when treated in vitro with both alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonists, showed increased glucose oxidation. The effects of alpha-adrenergic agents on glucose metabolism can be mimicked by non-receptor mobilization of Ca2+. Analogues of cyclic AMP were capable of elevating glucose metabolism to nearly the same extent as beta-adrenergic agonists.