Stimulus-secretion coupling in an insect salivary gland: cell activation by elevated potassium concentrations

Fluid secretion by isolated salivary glands was stimulated by elevating the external potassium concentration. The stimulatory effect of potassium was dependent on external calcium and was potentiated by a subthreshold dose of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). During the action of 120 mM potassium there was a large calcium dependent decrease in transepithelial resistance similar to that produced with 5-HT at normal potassium concentrations. These results on Calliphora salivary glands are compared with other cases where cells are activated by high potassium. In most cases, the effect of high potassium is dependent upon calcium, suggesting that the latter plays a primary role in cell activation.