Cytochemical localization of VIP-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in human sweat glands.

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-stimulated adenylate cyclase was demonstrated cytochemically in human sweat glands. Biopsies containing axillary sweat glands were incubated with 5 micron VIP and adenylate cyclase was demonstrated using the cerium-salt technique. Reaction products were localized in the plasma membranes of glandular and myoepithelial cells. Thus, VIP appears to stimulate adenylate cyclase activity without acetylcholine. VIP and acetylcholine in human sweat glands most probably act through a receptor complex, where adenylate cyclase is coupled to that part of the receptor stimulated by VIP.