Epinephrine-induced vacuole formation in parotid gland cells and its independence of the secretory process.

Catecholamines cause rapid release of K(+) and formation of vacuoles in acinar gland cells. A high K(+) concentration in the medium bathing parotid gland slices prevents vacuole formation by epinephrine and facilitates the secretion of most of the exportable amylase. N(6)-monobutyryl 3':5'-cyclic AMP does not cause K(+) release and vacuole formation although it efficiently induces amylase secretion. It is suggested that the secretory process is independent of vacuole formation.