Effects of adrenergic agonists on the oxygen uptake and amylase output in rat submandibular gland slices.

Oxygen uptake and amylase output in rat submandibular gland slices were measured by utilizing adrenergic agonists. Adrenaline, noradrenaline and isoproterenol significantly stimulated the oxygen uptake and amylase output. In the presence of propranolol or phenoxybenzamine, adrenaline-stimulated oxygen uptake was obviously blocked. Adrenaline-stimulated amylase output was inhibited by propranolol, but was not inhibited by phenoxybenzamine. The increase in oxygen uptake by nornol-stimulated oxygen uptake and amylase output were strongly inhibited by propranolol. The oxygen uptake due to isoproterenol was little affected by phenoxybenzamine. These results suggest that the increase in oxygen uptake seen with adrenergic agonists is mediated by both alpha- and beta-receptors, and that the amylase output is evoked through the stimulation of beta-receptors.