Effects of PGE1 alone and on sympathetically mediated Na, K transport in the perfused main submandibular duct of rat.

PGE1 was administered in 5 micrograms/kg doses every 5 min over a period of 70 min and Na and K transport in the perfused main duct of rat submandibular gland was examined during a period without stimulation of the sympathetic nerve as well as during stimulation of the sympathetic nerve. A 25% decrease in the amount of Na absorbed and a 42% decrease in the amount of K secreted occurred when PGE1 alone was administered; the same change occurred when the sympathetic nerve was stimulated in the presence of PGE1. These data show, for the first time, an effect of PGE1 alone on electrolyte transport, and suggest that specific PGE1 receptors are activated.