Effect of specific membrane perturbations on alpha1-adrenergic and muscarinic-cholinergic signal transduction in rat parotid cell aggregates

Alpha1-adrenergic and muscarinic-cholinergic stimulated IP3 production and calcium mobilization are inhibited by treatment of parotid cell aggregates with methanol, hydrogen peroxide and saponin. Only methanol exerts an effect on binding to receptors. In most cases a close correspondence exists between inhibition of alpha1-adrenergic and muscarini-cholinergic responses as well as inhibition of IP3 production and calcium mobilization. G-protein dependent signal transduction, therefore appears to be quite sensitive to plasma membrane perturbation and membrane active agents may provide useful tools for elucidation of transduction mechanisms and their regulation.