Distinct contributions by ionotropic purinoceptor subtypes to ATP‐evoked calcium signals in mouse parotid acinar cells

Key points•  There are two major ionotropic purinoceptor subtypes (ATP‐gated, non‐selective, Ca 2+ ‐conducting ion channels) in the salivary gland. •  Relatively little is known about the physiological roles of these purinoceptors regarding compartmentalization and selective activation, their contributions to the spatiotemporal properties of intracellular Ca 2+ signals and their roles in regulating protein exocytosis and ion channel activity. •  In this study, we investigated the subtype‐specific sub‐cellular distribution and functional characterization of purinoceptors in mouse parotid acinar cells. •  Selective activation of ionotropic purinergic receptor subtypes was shown to evoke spatially distinct cytosolic Ca 2+ signals as well as protein exocytosis. •  This study identifies a subtype of ionotropic purinergic receptors as a potential therapeutic target for treatment of salivary gland hypofunction.