Secretory Potentials in Rat Submaxillary Gland

Abstract

Changes in membrane potential in relation to stimulation (secretory potentials) were investigated in cells of rat submaxillary gland. In acinar cells, stimulation of the parasympathetic or sympathetic innervation evoked secretory potentials which were small in magnitude and inconstant in form. Either hyperpolarization or depolarization occurred when each autonomic branch was separately stimulated. It is suggested that more than one ionic shift occurs across the membrane during stimulation and that the form of the potentials depends upon an algebraic balance of ion movements at any time.