Adenosine-triphosphatase activity and nicotinamide nucleotide coenzymes in the parotid gland of the young lamb and adult sheep.

1. The activity of a Mg(2+)-dependent Na(+)-plus-K(+)-activated adenosine triphosphatase and the concentrations of nicotinamide nucleotide coenzymes have been measured in the immature parotid glands of young lambs and in the actively secreting glands of adult sheep. 2. The activity of the adenosine triphosphatase increased during development and attained relatively high levels in the mature secreting gland. 3. A high ([NAD]+[NADH(2)])/([NADP]+[NADPH(2)]) ratio (approx. 10:1) was observed in the parotid glands of lambs and sheep. 4. The high concentrations of NAD and the very low concentrations of NADPH(2) have been discussed in relation to metabolic activity, the activity of the Na(+)-plus-K(+)-activated adenosine triphosphatase and the secretion of saliva by the parotid gland.