cAMP-dependent recruitment of acidic organelles for Ca2+signaling in the salivary gland

Autonomic neural activation of intracellular Ca 2+ release in parotid acinar cells induces the secretion of the fluid and protein components of primary saliva critical for maintaining overall oral homeostasis. In the current study, we profiled the role of acidic organelles in shaping the Ca 2+ signals of parotid acini using a variety of imaging and pharmacological approaches. Results demonstrate that zymogen granules predominate as an apically polarized population of acidic organelles that contributes to the initial Ca 2+ release. Moreover, we provide evidence that indicates a role for the intracellular messenger NAADP in the release of Ca 2+ from acidic organelles following elevation of cAMP. Our data are consistent with the "trigger" hypothesis where localized release of Ca 2+ sensitizes canonical intracellular Ca 2+ channels to enhance signals from the endoplasmic reticulum. Release from acidic stores may be important for initiating saliva secretion at low levels of stimulation and a potential therapeutic target to augment secretory activity in hypofunctioning salivary glands.