Ca2+ requirement for metabolic effects of secretagogues in the amphibian gastric mucosa

Abstract

The role of extracellular Ca2+ in metabolic effects induced by theophylline and histamine was investigated in the isolated toad gastric mucosa. Primary and secondary effects on metabolism were differentiated by using K(+)-free solutions, which blocked the secretory responses but not the metabolic ones. The stimulation of respiration induced by theophylline and histamine was dose dependent and was significantly decreased by Ca2(+)-free solutions. In the presence of 1.8 mM Ca2+, the rate of glycogen breakdown was increased by theophylline in a dose-dependent manner and the dose-response curve was somewhat similar to that obtained with oxygen uptake. This effect was inhibited by incubation in Ca2(+)-free solutions. Ca2+ stimulated the rate of glycogen utilization in a concentration-dependent manner. The rates of oxidation of exogenous glucose and pyruvate were significantly inhibited by Ca2(+)-free solutions in theophylline- and histamine-stimulated mucosa, whereas the rates of oxidation of butyrate and acetate were not significantly affected. The Ca2+ ionophore A23187 significantly stimulated the rate of oxygen uptake and this response was not blocked by omeprazole and Sch 28080, two specific inhibitors of gastric H(+)-K(+)-ATPase. The results indicate that Ca2+ is required for optimal stimulation of carbohydrate catabolism in the toad gastric mucosa.