Role of calcium in cAMP-mediated effects in the elasmobranch rectal gland.

The effects of A23187 and verapamil on the vasomotor and secretory effects of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) in the rectal gland were investigated in Scyliorhinus canicula and Squalus acanthias. A23187 was a potent vasoconstrictor in the gland and reversed the vasodilatory action of cAMP in glands constricted with norepinephrine. Verapamil, like cAMP, prevented the vasoconstriction induced in the gland by norepinephrine. A23187 had no effect on the secretory activity (measured as ouabain binding and ouabain-sensitive oxygen consumption) of the glands. Verapamil inhibited the stimulation of ouabain binding, ouabain-sensitive oxygen consumption, and sodium secretion rate induced by cAMP plus theophylline, but did not affect the stimulation of ouabain binding and ouabain-sensitive oxygen consumption induced by amphotericin B. These data indicate that it is the cAMP-induced stimulation of the sodium-chloride cotransport system that is verapamil sensitive, and it is suggested that this stimulation is a calcium-dependent process. This emphasizes the independent nature of the secretory and vasomotor effects of the nucleotide in the gland.