Vasoactive intestinal peptide stimulates ion transport in avian salt gland

R. J. Lowy, J. H. Schreiber and S. A. Ernst Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor 48109. Avian salt glands are considered to be under the control of cholinergic nerve fibers. Here we report evidence that vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) also regulates ion transport. Nerve fibers stained immunocytochemically with anti-VIP were distributed throughout the tissue within the peritubular connective tissue and were in close proximity to the secretory tubules. VIP applied to primary cultures of the secretory cells elicited active ion transport as assayed by short-circuit current (Isc) analysis. The mucosal-to-serosal positive Isc was produced in a dose-dependent fashion [(EC50) = 3.1 X 10(-9) M], was potentiated by theophylline, and was inhibited by either ouabain or furosemide. This Isc was independent of activation by cholinergic agonists. VIP also increased ouabain-sensitive respiration 14-18% in acutely isolated cells from salt-stressed and unstressed animals. These data demonstrate for the first time that VIP is present in the avian salt gland and can act as a secretagogue by directly affecting the secretory cells. In addition, the results provide evidence for direct control of ion transport by an adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-linked neurohormone in both adult unstressed and fully salt-stressed animals.