Zn²⁺ stimulates salivary secretions via metabotropic zinc receptor ZnR/GPR39 in human salivary gland cells.

ABSTRACT: Zn²⁺ is a divalent cation that is essential for many biological activities, as it influences many ion channels and enzymatic activities. Zn²⁺ can evoke G-protein-coupled receptor signaling via activation of the metabotropic zinc receptor ZnR/GPR39. In spite of evidence suggesting the presence of ZnR/GPR39 in salivary gland cells, there has been no evidence of ZnR/GPR39-mediated modulation of salivary gland function. Here we characterized the role of ZnR/GPR39 in human submandibular gland cells. A 0.25% ZnCl₂ solution evoked secretion of unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva in humans. We found that ZnR/GPR39 is expressed in human submandibular glands and HSG cells. Zn²⁺ increased cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i

SUBMITTER: Kim YJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6881433 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature