Prolactin directly enhanced Na+/K+- and Ca2+-ATPase activities in the duodenum of female rats

Prolactin has recently been shown to directly stimulate 2 components of the active duodenal calcium transport in female rats, i.e., solvent drag-induced and transcellular-active calcium transport. Since the basolateral Na(+)/K(+)- and Ca(2+)-ATPases, respectively, play important roles in these 2 transport mechanisms, the present study aimed to examine the direct actions of prolactin on the activities of both transporters in sexually mature female Wistar rats. The results showed that 200, 400, and 800 ng/mL prolactin produced a significant increase in the total ATPase activity of duodenal crude homogenate in a dose-dependent manner within 60 min (i.e., from a control value of 1.53 +/- 0.13 to 2.29 +/- 0.21 (p < 0.05), 2.68 +/- 0.19 (p < 0.01), and 3.92 +/- 0.33 (p < 0.001) micromol Pi x (mg protein)(-1) x min(-1), respectively). Activity of Na+/K+-ATPase was increased by 800 ng/mL prolactin from 0.17 +/- 0.03 to 1.18 +/- 0.29 micromol Pi x (mg protein)(-1) x min(-1) (p < 0.01). Prolactin at doses of 400 and 600 ng/mL also significantly increased the activities of Ca(2+)-ATPase in crude homogenate from a control value of 0.84 +/- 0.03 to 1.75 +/- 0.29 (p < 0.05), and 2.30 +/- 0.37 (p < 0.001) micromol Pi x (mg protein)(-1) x min(-1). When the crude homogenate was purified for the basolateral membrane, the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activities were elevated 10-fold. In the purified homogenate, 800 ng/mL prolactin increased Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity from 1.79 +/- 0.38 to 2.63 +/- 0.44 micromol Pi x (mg protein)(-1) x min(-1) (p < 0.05), and Ca(2+)-ATPase activity from 0.08 +/- 0.14 to 2.03 +/- 0.23 micromol Pi x (mg protein)(-1) x min-1 (p < 0.001). Because the apical calcium entry was the first important step for the transcellular active calcium transport, the brush border calcium uptake was also investigated in this study. We found that, 8 min after being directly exposed to 800 ng/mL prolactin, the brush border calcium uptake into the duodenal epithelial cells was increased from 0.31 +/- 0.02 to 0.80 +/- 0.28 nmol x (mg protein)(-1) (p < 0.05). It was concluded that prolactin directly and rapidly enhanced the brush border calcium uptake as well as the activities of the basolateral Na(+)/K(+)- and Ca(2+)-ATPases in the duodenal epithelium of female rats. These findings explained the mechanisms by which prolactin stimulated duodenal active calcium absorption.     

Calmodulin-dependent regulation of Ca,Mg-ATPase activity in plasma membranes of the swine myometrium

Highly purified plasma membrane (PM) preparations of pig myometrium were found to contain 0.91 +/- 0.22 microgram calmodulin per mg of PM protein. Treatment of membranes with 1 mM EGTA in the presence of 0.2 M NaCl causes the diminution of the calmodulin content down to 3% of the original level. The activity of Ca, Mg-ATPase is thereby decreased by 40%. Exogenous calmodulin restores the enzyme activity up to 1.94 +/- +/- 0.30 mumol Pi/mg protein/hour. The maximal activation of Ca, Mg-ATPase is observed with 10(-7) M calmodulin. Calmodulin increases the total ATPase activity of myometrium PM without affecting the Mg-ATPase activity. Trifluoroperazine (20 microM) diminishes the activating effect of exogenous calmodulin on Ca, Mg-ATPase. Calmodulin stimulates Ca, Mg-ATPase at low concentrations of Ca2+(10(-8)-10(-6) M) by decreasing Km for Ca2+ from 0.4.10(-6) M to 2.10(-8) M as well as by increasing Vmax--from 0,8 to 1.42 mumol Pl/mg protein/hour. It is supposed that the activating effect of calmodulin on Ca, Mg-ATPase is based on electrostatic interactions of Ca2+-free calmodulin with the enzyme.     

Distribution of Ca2+-ATPase, ATP-dependent Ca2+-transport, calmodulin and vitamin D-dependent Ca2+-binding protein along the villus-crypt axis in rat duodenum

The migration of intestinal epithelial cells from the crypts to the tips of villi is associated with progressive cell differentiation. The changes in Ca2+-ATPase activity and ATP-dependent Ca2+-transport rates in basolateral membranes from rat duodenum were measured during migration along the crypt-villus axis. In addition, vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein and calmodulin content were measured in homogenates of six cell populations which were sequentially derived from villus tip to crypt base. Alkaline phosphatase activity was highest at the tip of the villus (fraction I) and decreased more than 20-fold towards the crypt base (fraction VI). (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity also decreased along the villus-crypt axis but in a less pronounced manner than alkaline phosphatase. ATP-dependent Ca2+-transport in basolateral membranes was highest in fraction II (8.2 +/- 0.3 nmol Ca2+/min per mg protein) and decreased slightly towards the villus tip and base (fraction V). The youngest cells in the crypt had the lowest Ca2+-transport activity (0.9 +/- 0.1 nmol Ca2+/min per mg protein). The distribution of high-affinity Ca2+-ATPase activity in basolateral membranes correlated with the distribution of ATP-dependent Ca2+-transport. The activity of Na+/Ca2+ exchange was equal in villus and crypt basolateral membranes. Compared to the ATP-dependent Ca2+-transport system, the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger is of minor importance in villus cells but may play a more significant role in crypt cells. Calcium-binding protein decreased from mid-villus towards the villus base and was undetectable in crypt cells. Calmodulin levels were equal along the villus-crypt axis. It is concluded that vitamin D-dependent calcium absorption takes primarily place in villus cells of rat duodenum.     

The age-related characteristics of the transport ATPase activity in the enterocyte plasma membranes of the small intestine]

The specific activity of Na, K-ATPase, localized in basolateral membranes of enterocytes, does not differ in adult cattle and healthy newborn animals (0.99 +/- 0.04 and 1.06 +/- 0.06 mumol Pi/mg of protein per 1 min), but in diarrheic new born animals--decreased to 0.2 +/- 0.03. The data obtained prove that the transporting ATPases play a fundamental role in disturbance of electrolyte balance under diarrhea.     

Ramipril inhibition of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) small intestinal brush border membrane angiotensin converting enzyme

1. Rabbit small intestinal brush border membranes possessed prominent angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity. 2. Intestinal ACE was located on the lumen surface, as verified by ACE co-enrichment with brush border membrane marker enzymes. 3. Hydrolysis kinetics of rabbit intestinal ACE were comparable to the lung, utilizing the substrate (N-[3-(2-furyl)acryloyl]-L-phenylalanylglycylglycine; the Vmax = 543 +/- 51 mumol/min/g and Km = 0.62 +/- 0.09 mmol/l. 4. Intestinal brush border ACE activity was strongly inhibited by the antihypertensive drug Ramipril, which yielded an IC50 value of 5 nmol/l; the ACE activity remained completely inhibited during 15 days after a single dose of 10 mumol/l Ramipril.     

cAMP-dependent regulation of the active transport of Ca2+ in plasma membranes of the swine myometrium

Plasma membranes of pig myometrium show the ability for endogenous phosphorylation (160 +/- 45 pmol 32P/mg.min); the initial rate of this process increases 2.5-fold in the presence of 10(-6) cAMP. Micromolar concentrations of cAMP activate the ATP-dependent transport of Ca2+ in myometrium plasma membranes; cAMP at concentrations of 10(-9)-10(-4) M has no effect on Ca,Mg-ATPase. Myometrium plasma membranes possess the Mg2+-dependent phosphatase activity. Dephosphorylation of membranes is accompanied by a decrease (by 25-50%) of the Ca,Mg-ATPase activity and Ca2+ uptake, respectively. The exogenous catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase increases the activity of Ca,Mg-ATPase in native and dephosphorylated membranes. Tolbutamide diminishes the activity of Ca,Mg-ATPase in native membranes by 25% without causing any appreciable influence on the enzyme activity in dephosphorylated membranes. Taking into account the similarity of dependence of Ca2+ uptake on Ca2+ concentration in native and cAMP-phosphorylated vesicles, it can be assumed that the cAMP-dependent phosphorylation affects the enzyme turnover number but not its affinity for Ca2+. The dephosphorylation-induced inhibition of Ca,Mg-ATPase activity and accumulation of Ca2+ are reversible processes.     

Activation of Mg-ATPase (spectrin-dependent ATPase) by Ca2+.

The dependence of saponin-stimulated Mg-ATPase activity in the erythrocyte membrane on Ca2+ concentration was studied. In the membrane of freshly sampled human erythrocytes we found for this enzyme and Ca2+ an apparent dissociation constant of 0.611 mumol/l (SE +/- 0.106 mumol/l) and Hill coefficient of 0.93 (SE +/- 0.05). The enzyme is in most probability identical with Ca,Mg-ATPase of high affinity to Ca2+ described also as spectrin-dependent Ca,Mg-ATPase.     

Biochemical characterization of plasma membrane isolated from human skeletal muscle

Specific components of ion translocation systems were studied in excitable plasma membranes isolated from normal human muscle. Na+-K+ ATPase and ouabain-sensitive K+ phosphatase activities were 8.9 +/- 1 mumol Pi/h per mg protein and 96 +/- 9 nmol/min per mg protein, respectively. Scatchard analysis of equilibrium binding assays with [3H]ouabain showed non-linear curves consistent with high- and low-affinity sites (estimated Kd 3 nM and 0.22 microM). Two families of receptors with different affinities for a tritiated TTX derivative (estimated Kd 0.4 and 4 nM) were also identified suggesting the existence in human muscle of at least two classes of voltage-dependent Na+ channels. In addition (+)-[methyl-3H]PN200-110, a potent Ca2+ antagonist used for labeling voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, was observed to bind to a homogeneous population of receptors in the plasma membrane (Kd = 0.2 nM).     

H+ extrusion by an apical vacuolar-type H+-ATPase in rat renal proximal tubules

The activity of Na+/H(+)-exchange and H(+)-ATPase was measured in the absence of CO2/HCO3 by microfluorometry at the single cell level in rat proximal tubules (superficial S1/S2 segments) loaded with BCECF [2'7'-bis(carboxyethyl)5-6-carboxyfluorescein- acetoxymethylester]. Intracellular pH (pHi) was lowered by a NH4Cl-prepulse technique. In the absence of Na+ in the superfusion solutions, pHi recovered from the acid load by a mechanism inhibited by 0.1 microM bafilomycin A1, a specific inhibitor of a vacuolar-type H(+)-ATPase. Readdition of Na+ in the presence of bafilomycin A1 produced an immediate recovery of pHi by a mechanism sensitive to the addition of 10 microM EIPA (ethylisopropylamiloride), a specific inhibitor of Na+/H+ exchange. The transport rate of the H(+)-ATPase is about 40% of Na+/H(+)-exchange activity at a similar pHi (0.218 +/- 0.028 vs. 0.507 +/- 0.056 pH unit/min. Pre-exposure of the tubules to 30 mM fructose, 0.5 mM iodoacetate and 1 mM KCN (to deplete intracellular ATP) prevented a pHi recovery in Na(+)-free media; readdition of Na+ led to an immediate pHi recovery. Tubules pre-exposed to Cl(-)-free media for 2 hr also reduced the rate of Na(+)-independent pHi recovery. In free-flow electrophoretic separations of brush border membranes and basolateral membranes, a bafilomycin A1-sensitive ATPase activity was found to be associated with the brush border membrane fraction; half maximal inhibition is at 6 x 10(-10) M bafilomycin A1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Photoaffinity labeling by [3H]-N5-methyl-N5-isobutylamiloride of proteins which cofractionate with Na+/H+ antiport activity

N5-Methyl-N5-isobutylamiloride (MIA) is one of a series of 5-N-substituted amiloride analogues which exhibit high affinity and specificity for inhibition of Na+/H+ antiport. Amiloride-sensitive [3H]MIA binding to renal brush border membranes exhibited a Kd of 250 nM and a Bmax of 8.6 pmol/mg of protein. Specific binding was optimal at pH 7.5 and inhibited in the presence of Na+ and Li+. Inhibition by amiloride exhibited biphasic kinetics. After resolution of solubilized membranes by high-pressure liquid chromatography, MIA binding activity cofractionated together with Na+/H+ antiport activity, measured after reconstitution in asolectin vesicles, into a major and a minor peak. When fractions containing the major peak of Na+/H+ antiport activity were incubated with [3H]MIA and then photolyzed with a mercury arc lamp, covalent incorporation of label into polypeptides of apparent molecular mass 81 and 107 kDa was observed. These photolabeled bands were also observed in intact brush border membranes in addition to labeled polypeptides of apparent molecular mass 60 and 46 kDa, respectively. Labeling was inhibited by amiloride, reduced in the presence of Na+, and not observed in the absence of photolysis. These data point to the 81- and 107-kDa polypeptides as candidates for identification as components of a Na+/H+ antiport system in renal brush border membranes.     

Subcellular distribution of thyroxine 5'-monodeiodinase activity in rabbit kidney

Thyroxine 5'-monodeiodinase is located in the proximal tubules of the rabbit kidney. To estimate the subcellular distribution of 5'-monodeiodinase activity, we prepared subcellular fractions, a basolateral membrane fraction and a brush border membrane fraction, from kidneys of Japanese white rabbits. Each fraction (0.5 mg protein) was incubated at 37 degrees C for 60 min with 0.5 micrograms T4 in the presence of 5 mM DTT. The T3 generated in the reaction mixture was extracted with cold ethanol and measured by RIA. For analysis of propylthiouracil-insensitive thyroxine 5'-monodeiodinase, we examined its kinetic behavior at nanomolar concentrations of the substrate, T4, in the presence of 100 microM propylthiouracil. In order of decreasing activity, basolateral membrane, microsomal fraction, mitochondrial fraction, cytosolic fraction, brush border membrane and nuclear fraction were capable of converting T4 to T3. Upon addition of 10(-5) M propylthiouracil to the reaction mixture, 5'-monodeiodinase activities of basolateral membrane and brush border membrane were inhibited by more than 90%, but that of microsomes was inhibited by only about 50%. In addition, kinetic analysis of microsomal 5'-monodeiodinase activity at nanomolar T4 concentrations in the presence of 10(-4) M propylthiouracil suggested on apparent Km of 3.8 nmol. These results indicate that there is high-Km 5'-monodeiodinase activity (PTU-sensitive) in the basolateral and brush border membranes and also high-Km and low-Km 5'-monodeiodinase (PTU-insensitive) in the microsomes of rabbit kidney.     

The distribution of ATPase activities in purified transverse tubular membranes

Vesiculated fragments of transverse tubules (TT) and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membranes were purified from heterogeneous microsomal membrane fractions of chicken breast muscle by a modification of an iterative calcium-oxalate loading technique. The distribution of ATPase activities were determined for the TT and SR and were compared to enriched fractions of sarcolemma (SL) membranes. The TT membranes were characterized by high rates of magnesium-stimulated ATPase (Mg-ATPase) and 5′-nucleotidase activities but were virtually devoid of calcium-stimulated, magnesium-dependent ATPase (Ca,Mg-ATPase) activity. Moderate levels of a latent sodium and potassium-stimulated ATPase (Na,K-ATPase) were observed for TT membranes when unmasked with valinomycin and monensin. In contrast to the behavior of TT membranes, highly purified SR membranes displayed an active Ca,Mg-ATPase but negligible Na,K-ATPase, Mg-ATPase, and 5′-nucleotidase activities. High levels of Na,K-ATPase and 5′-nucleotidase activities were observed for SL membranes; however, the SL displayed no appreciable Ca,Mg-ATPase and Mg-ATPase activities. The lack of significant Mg-ATPase activity in the SR and SL fractions suggested that the Mg-ATPase was uniquely associated with the TT membranes. The TT Mg-ATPase was further characterized by its pH and temperature dependences, and its sensitivity to pharmacologic agents. The Mg-ATPase of the TT was insensitive to inhibition by sodium azide and oligomycin in concentrations shown to exert maximum inhibition on the F₁ ATPase of submitochondrial particles. The Mg-ATPase was also resistant to the effects of ouabain and orthovanadate in concentrations which abolished the Na,K-ATPase and Ca,Mg-ATPase activities of the SL and SR, respectively. The Mg-ATPase displayed temperature and pH optima (25 °C, pH 7.3) which were distinguishable from the Ca,Mg-ATPase (45 °, pH 7.0) of highly purified SR fractions but which were very similar to the temperature and pH dependencies of the mixed microsomal fractions (MMF) from which the TT membranes were derived. Similarities in the pH and temperature dependencies of the TT and MMF Mg-ATPases plus the absence of appreciable Mg-ATPase activity in highly purified SR membranes suggests that the “basic” Mg-ATPase often seen in crude SR fractions may originate from TT membrane contamination. The resistance of the TT Mg-ATPase to inhibition by the pharmacologic agents tested plus its unique temperature and pH dependences indicate that this ATPase is distinguishable from other ATPases and may, therefore, be of value as a specific biochemical marker for TT membranes.     

Kinetics of a nucleotide pyrophosphatase in the plasma membrane of the fat cell

Fat cells from rat and rabbit hydrolyzed externally applied adenosine triphosphate at a rate of about 1.8 nmol times mg(-1) cells times min(-1) corresponding to about 0.3 mumol times mg(-1) protein tinus min(-1). Similar activities were found in cell homogenates. In purified adipocyte plasma membranes the rate of hydrolysis was about 1.8 mumol times mg(-1) protein times min(-1). The hydrolytic activity was dependent on divalent metal ions. Mg(2+), Mn(2+) and Ca(2+) gave highest activities. The activity was maximal at about equimolar concentrations of M(2+) and ATP. Km for MgATP was about 0.23 mM and for CaATP about 0.36 mM. Combinations of Mg(2+) and Ca(2+), or of Mg(2+), Na(+) and K(+) gave similar activities as did Mg(2+) only. At concentrations of 1 mM the following nucleotides were hydrolyzed with a decreasing rate: ATP > ITP > GTP > UTP = CTP. In isolated fat cells the beta-adrenergic drug isoproterenol and insulin slightly increased the rate of hydrolysis of external ATP, while the alpha-effector clonidine was inhibitory. The results suggest that a major portion of the ATP hydrolytic activity of the fat cell plasma membrane represents a nucleotide pyrophosphatase activity with access to externally applied ATP.     

Effect of carbacholine and serotonin on the ATPase activity in synaptosomes of the projection and association areas of the feline cerebral cortex]

Na, K-ATPase and Mg-ATPase activities were measured in the synaptosomes of the temporal auditory projection area and the frontal association area. Moreover, the effects of carbacholine and serotonin on those activities were investigated. Na, K-ATPase activity in the synaptosomes of the association area was shown to be reliably higher that in the synaptosomes of the projection area (11.02 +/- 0.45 vs 8.40 +/- 0.55 microM Pi/mg of protein hr; P less than 0.05). Mg-ATPase activity was higher in the second case as compared to the first one (11.40 +/- 0.38 vs 9.04 +/- 0.35; p less than 0.05). Carbacholine and serotonin (10(-8)-10(-3) M) were found to induce equal inhibition of Na, K-ATPase activity in the synaptosomes of both cortices (1 max = 25-30%, 1C50 = 0.2-0.3 microM) which is blocked respectively with atropine (10(-6) M) and methysergide (10(-6) M) and enhanced in presence of GTP (5.10(-5) M). The enzyme activity is also inhibited by the non-hydrolysable guanine nucleotide, GTP gamma S (10(-8)-10(-4) M), in the absence of the antagonists (1 max = 35-40%, 1 C50 = 0.02 microM). In the methysergide-containing medium serotonin exerts a dose-dependent stimulatory effect on Na, K-ATPase which is more pronounced in the synaptosomes of the association area (A max = 25%, A C50 = 0.05 microM). Mg-ATPase activity of membrane preparations is liable to be stimulated by both serotonin and carbacholine, stimulation being more pronounced in the synaptosomes of the association cortex as well (A max = 35%, A C50 = 0.2-0.3 microM). This effect is insensitive either to the antagonists of the corresponding receptors or to GTP. GTP gamma S does not cause alterations in the enzymatic activity. Na, K-ATPase is suggested to be coupled to muscarine and serotonin receptors in the synaptic membranes of both projection and association cortical areas via a GTP-binding protein. At the same time, the agonists of receptors mentioned above are presumably also capable to effect Mg-ATPase activity by the receptor-independent way.     

Protein kinase C from small intestine epithelial cells

Protein kinase C activity has been identified in cytosolic and membrane fractions from rat and rabbit small intestine epithelial cells. The cytosolic fraction comprised about the 75% of total activity. Protein kinase C activity was resolved from other protein kinase activities by ion exchange chromatography. Phosphatidylserine or phosphatidylinositol were required for protein kinase C to be active. In addition, the activity was enhanced by the presence of a diacylglycerol. Diolein and dimyristin were the most effective (13-14 fold activation). In the presence of phosphatidylserine and diolein, the Ka for activation by Ca2+ was 10(-7)M. The phorbol ester TPA substituted for diacylglycerol in activating protein kinase C. Brush border and basolateral membranes contained protein kinase C activity, although the specific activity of the basal lateral membranes was four-fold higher than the specific activity of the brush border membranes. The presence of PKC in small intestine epithelial cells might have important implications in the Ca2+ mediated control of ionic transport in this tissue.     

Characteristics of ATPase activity in the sarcolemma of longitudinal and circular muscles of the canine ileum

The subcellular fraction enriched in sarcolemmal vesicles was isolated from the longitudinal muscle (LM) and the circular muscle (CM) of the canine ileum by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Treatment of the LM and CM membranes with sodium dodecylsulfate (0.2 mg/kg protein) led to a 3-fold increase in Na,K-ATPase activity (up to 24 and 39 mumol Pi/mg protein/h, respectively) and to a 90-95% inactivation of Mg-ATPase which was 2 and 8 times (for the CM and the LM, respectively) more active than Na,K-ATPase in the untreated sarcolemma. A specific inhibition of Na,K-ATPase activity by acetylcholine (Ach) and serotonin (ST) was observed which could de blocked in the presence of muscarinic and serotonin receptor antagonists. Sensitivity of the enzyme to ST was more than one order of magnitude higher than to Ach (IC50 = 10(-8) vs 1.2 x 10(-7) M). The inhibition of Na,K-ATPase activity by the neurotransmitters was more pronounced in the LM membranes (30-40%) than in the CM ones (10-20%). These data indicate that cell membranes of the LM and CM differ both in specific ATPase activities and the responsiveness of Na,K-ATPase to the receptor-mediated effects of Ach and ST.     

Streptozotocin diabetes and sugar transport by rat ileal enterocytes: evidence for adaptation caused by an increased luminal nutrient load.

Preparations of villus enterocytes and brush border membrane vesicles have been used to study the effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in rats on sugar transport across the brush border and basolateral membranes of ileal epithelial cells. In isolated cells, diabetes increased Na(+)-dependent galactose transport across the brush border of mid-villus but not upper villus cells. Galactose transport across the basolateral membrane was, however, enhanced by diabetes in both cell populations. Kinetic analysis of vesicle data suggested the presence of two transporters for Na(+)-dependent glucose transport. Diabetes induced a 5-fold increase in both KT and Vmax of the high-affinity/low-capacity system together with a 2-fold increase in the Vmax of the low-affinity/high-capacity transporter. Glucose was almost undetectable in the lumen of the upper and lower ileum in control animals but was present at high levels (26.1 +/- 4.3 mM and 6.5 +/- 1.3 mM) in diabetic rats. The possible significance of these changes in luminal sugar concentration in relation to the adaptation of transport across ileal enterocytes is discussed.     

Quantification of Ca(2+)-ATPases in porcine duodenum. Effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 deficiency.

Previous studies have identified a calmodulin-stimulated ATP-dependent Ca2+ pump as the major Ca2+ efflux pathway in enterocytes. Here, we developed methods to quantify the number of Ca2+ pumps in basolateral and intracellular membranes from porcine duodenum. By the use of a pig strain with a genetic defect in renal 1 alpha-hydroxylase, we were able to investigate the influence of 1,25(OH)2D3-deficiency on the number of Ca(2+)-ATPases in porcine duodenum. The amount of Ca(2+)-ATPase in isolated basolateral membranes was 5.5 +/- 0.7 micrograms/mg protein, while the Vmax of ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport into inside-out resealed basolateral membrane vesicles was 2.6 +/- 0.4 nmol/mg protein per min. From these data we estimated roughly about 95 x 10(3) plasma membrane Ca2+ pump sites per enterocyte. In addition, the amount of intracellular Ca(2+)-ATPase in microsomal fractions was 0.41 +/- 0.02 microgram/mg protein. Comparison of these parameters between control and rachitic animals showed that Ca2+ pump capacities in both basolateral membranes and microsomal fractions of porcine duodenum are not influenced by 1,25(OH)2D3-deficiency. In conclusion, stimulatory effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on intestinal Ca2+ transport most likely result from specific effects on apical influx and facilitation of cytosolic Ca2+ diffusion by Ca(2+)-binding proteins and not from an increase in Ca2+ pumping capacity in basolateral membranes.     

Epidermal growth factor binding, stimulation of phosphorylation, and inhibition of gluconeogenesis in rat proximal tubule

Epidermal growth factor and insulin share many biological activities, including stimulation of cell proliferation, ion flux, glycolysis, fatty acid and glycogen synthesis, and activation of receptor-linked tyrosine kinase activity. In the kidney, insulin has been shown to regulate transport processes and inhibit gluconeogenesis in the proximal tubule. Since the kidney represents a major source of EGF, the present studies investigated whether proximal tubule contained EGF receptors, whether EGF receptors were localized to apical or basolateral membranes, and whether EGF receptor activation participated in the regulation of an important proximal tubule function, gluconeogenesis. Specific EGF receptors were demonstrated in the basolateral membrane of proximal tubule. Following incubation with 125I EGF, basolateral membranes demonstrated equilibrium binding at 4 degrees C and 23 degrees C. There was 78 +/- 2% specific binding (n = 13). The dissociation constant (Kd) was 1.5 x 10(-9) M and maximal binding was 44 fmol/mg protein. There was ninefold more specific binding to proximal tubule basolateral membrane than to brush border membrane. In basolateral, but not brush border membranes, EGF induced phosphorylation of the tyrosine residues of intrinsic membrane proteins, including a 170 kDa protein, corresponding to the EGF receptor. In the presence of the gluconeogenic substrates, alanine, lactate, and succinate, proximal tubule suspensions synthesized glucose. EGF inhibited glucose production in a concentration-dependent manner over a concentration range of 3 x 10(-11) to 3 x 10(-9) M. In addition, EGF inhibited angiotensin II-stimulated glucose production in the proximal tubule suspensions. EGF did not significantly increase net glucose metabolism nor decrease cellular ATP concentrations. Therefore, these studies demonstrated that rat proximal tubule contained specific receptors for EGF that were localized to the basolateral membrane and linked to tyrosine kinase activity. EGF significantly inhibited proximal tubule glucose production without significantly increasing net glucose consumption.     

Intestinal brush border calcium uptake in spontaneously hypertensive rats and their genetically matched WKY rats

The current studies were designed to characterize calcium transport by intestinal brush border membrane in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and normotensive control, the Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat. The biochemical and functional purity of the intestinal brush border membranes in SHR and WKY rats was validated by marker enzymes and the ability to transiently transport D-glucose in the presence of Na+ gradient. Calcium transport into duodenal and jejunal vesicles represented a minor binding component and transmembrane movement as evident by initial rate studies, A23187 studies, and lanthanum displacement experiments. Initial rate and time course of calcium uptake was lower in SHR compared with WKY rats. Kinetic analysis of calcium uptake by the jejunum (total uptake minus binding component) showed a Vmax of 6.98 +/- 0.2 and 1.8 +/- 0.2 nmol/mg protein/7 sec in WKY rats and SHR, respectively (P less than 0.001), whereas Km values were 0.76 +/- 0.04 and 0.87 +/- 0.1 mM for WKY rats and SHR, respectively. Similar kinetic analysis of calcium uptake by the duodenal segments showed a Vmax of 10.3 +/- 0.8 and 2.8 +/- 0.2 nmol/mg protein/7 sec in WKY rats and SHR, respectively (P less than 0.01). Km values were 0.7 +/- 0.2 and 0.3 +/- 0.06 mM (P greater than 0.05). Vmax of calcium uptake in the 2-week-old rats (prehypertensive period) was 6.0 +/- 0.3 and 3.53 +/- 0.3 nmol/mg protein/7 sec in WKY rats and SHR, respectively (P less than 0.001), whereas Km values were 0.60 +/- 0.07 and 0.5 +/- 0.01 mM, respectively. These results suggest that calcium binding and uptake by duodenal and jejunal intestinal brush border membranes of SHR is significantly decreased compared with WKY rats. The decrease in transmembrane calcium uptake is secondary to decrease in Vmax and is present before the appearance of hypertension, implying a genetically determined defect in calcium uptake in intestinal brush border membranes of the SHR.