Dissociation of beta-adrenoceptor-induced effects on amylase secretion and cyclic adenosine 3', 5' monophosphate accumulation.

By using a multi-channel microperifusion system the effects of noradrenaline, the beta1-adrenoceptor agonist prenalterol, and the beta2-selective agonist terbutaline were studied on amylase pig submandibular glands. 2 Noradrenaline caused significant amylase discharge and cyclic AMP accumulation. 3 Prenalterol was as effective as noradrenaline in causing amylase release but did not significantly affect the cyclic AMP content. 4 Terbutaline stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation, but had little effect on amylase secretion. 5 The present study reveals that there is a dissociation of the beta-adrenoceptor-induced amylase release and cyclic AMP formation, and that this dissociation may be due to different beta-adrenoceptor subtypes.