A preliminary investigation of the effects of vasoactive intestinal peptide on secretion from the lingual salt glands of Crocodylus porosus.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-like immunoreactivity was demonstrated in the lingual salt glands of the estuarine crocodile, Crocodylus porosus. Varicose fibers showing VIP-like immunoreactivity ramified the salt glands, forming a dense network around the basal region of the exocrine cells. Secretions from the lingual salt glands were monitored in hatchling C. porosus. Spontaneous secretory activity was variable, ranging from 0.3 to 5.3 micromol Na 100 g(-0.7) bm hr(-1) (bm, body mass). Administration of a 100-microl bolus of 0.9% NaCl, via a cannulated femoral vein, did not affect the spontaneous secretory rate. However, injection of 100 pmol porcine VIP resulted in a massive increase in secretory activity, reaching a maximum of 58.2 micromol of Na 100 g(-0.7) bm hr(-1). The presence of VIP-like immunoreactivity and the positive secretory effect of administered VIP indicate a potential action of VIP on salt gland activity.