Mucin secretion by salivary mucous glands is mediated predominantly by parasympathetic acetylcholine activation of cholinergic muscarinic receptors via increased intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) and activation of conventional protein kinase C isozymes (cPKC). However, the parasympathetic co-neurotransmitter, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), also initiates secretion, but to a lesser extent. In the present study, cross talk between VIP- and muscarinic-induced mucin secretion was investigated using isolated rat sublingual tubuloacini. VIP-induced secretion is mediated by cAMP-activated protein kinase A (PKA), independently of increased [Ca2+]i. Synergistic secretion between VIP and the muscarinic agonist, carbachol, was demonstrated but only with submaximal carbachol. Carbachol has no effect on cAMP ± VIP. Instead, PKA activated by VIP releases Ca2+ from an intracellular pool maintained by the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase pump. Calcium release was independent of phospholipase C activity. The resultant sustained [Ca2+]i increase is additive to submaximal, but not maximal carbachol-induced [Ca2+]i. Synergistic mucin secretion was mimicked by VIP plus either phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or 0.01 μM thapsigargin, and blocked by the PKC inhibitor, Gö6976. VIP-induced Ca2+ release also promoted store-operated Ca2+ entry. Synergism is therefore driven by VIP-mediated [Ca2+]i augmenting cPKC activity to enhance muscarinic mucin secretion. Additional data suggest ryanodine receptors control VIP/PKA-mediated Ca2+ release from a Ca2+ pool also responsive to maximal carbachol. A working model of muscarinic and VIP control of mucous cell exocrine secretion is presented. Results are discussed in relation to synergistic mechanisms in other secretory cells, and the physiological and therapeutic significance of VIP/muscarinic synergism controlling salivary mucous cell exocrine secretion.
Keywords: Mucins; Mucous cells; Saliva; Salivary glands; Signal transductions.