Functional and molecular biological evidence exists for the expression of ryanodine receptors in non-muscle cells. In the present study, RT-PCR and 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA 5'-end (5'-RACE analysis) provided evidence for the presence of a type 1 ryanodine receptor/Ca2+ channel (RyR1) in diverse cell types. In parotid gland-derived 3-9 (epithelial) cells, the 3'-end 1589 nucleotide sequence for a rat RyR shared 99% homology with rat brain RyR1. Expression of this RyR mRNA sequence in exocrine acinar cells, endocrine cells, and liver in addition to skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle, suggests wide tissue distribution of the RyR1. Positive identification of a 5'-end sequence was made for RyR1 mRNA in rat skeletal muscle and brain, but not in parotid cells, pancreatic islets, insulinoma cells, or liver. These data suggest that a modified RyR1 is present in exocrine and endocrine cells, and liver. Western blot analysis showed L-type Ca2+ channel-related proteins in parotid acinar cells, which were of comparable size to those identified in skeletal and cardiac muscle, and in brain. Immunocytochemistry carried out on intact parotid acini demonstrated that the dihydropyridine receptor was preferentially co-localized with the IP3 receptor in the apical membranes. From these data we conclude that certain non-muscle cells express a modified RyR1 and L-type Ca2+ channel proteins. These receptor/channels may play a role in Ca2+ signaling involving store-operated Ca2+ influx via receptor-mediated channels.