Lacrimal gland inositol trisphosphate isomer and inositol tetrakisphosphate production.

In the lacrimal gland, cholinergic agonists stimulate protein and electrolyte/water secretion by producing inositol trisphosphate (IP3) from phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate. To determine which IP3 isomers were produced and whether inositol tetrakisphosphate (IP4) was produced during activation of secretion, rat exorbital gland acini were [3H]inositol-labeled and stimulated by the cholinergic agonist carbachol. Water-soluble inositol phosphates were separated by anion-exchange chromatography using Dowex columns or high-performance liquid chromatography. Intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was measured by fluorescence using the Ca2+ dye fura-2. Carbachol (10(-3) M) produced a time-dependent increase in 1,4,5-IP3, 1,3,4-IP3, and 1,3,4,5-IP4 levels during 0-60 s of stimulation. The 1,4,5-IP3 level increased rapidly and was followed by a slower rise in 1,3,4-IP3 and 1,3,4,5-IP4 levels. A 3-s carbachol (10(-8) to 10(-2) M) stimulation caused a concentration-dependent rise in the 1,4,5-IP3 level. Carbachol (10(-9) to 10(-2) M) increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. Carbachol (10(-3) M) increased [Ca2+]i to a maximum level by 10 s; by 60 s [Ca2+]i decreased by 38%. The maximum increase in 1,4,5-IP3 levels occurred at a higher carbachol concentration than the increase in [Ca2+]i or protein secretion. We concluded that cholinergic stimulation of the lacrimal gland rapidly increased 1,4,5-IP3 levels, which was responsible for the initial increase in [Ca2+]i and initial rapid phase of protein and fluid secretion. Cholinergic stimulation also increased 1,3,4-IP3 and 1,3,4,5-IP4, but more slowly; either acting alone or with 1,4,5-IP3, they could account for the slower phase of secretion.