Regulation of rat yolk sac 25-hydroxy- and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 24-hydroxylase activities

The yolk sac of the pregnant rat which functions as a true placenta is a target organ for vitamin D. This tissue can hydroxylate in position 24 both 25-hydroxy- and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD3 and 1,25-(OH)2D3). The present report describes an in vitro model for the study of 1,25-(OH)2D3 action on the further metabolism of 25-OH[3H]D3 and 1,25-(OH)2[3H]D3 by yolk sac. The tissue explants were preincubated with 1,25-(OH)2D3 for 18 h in a serum-free culture medium. Physiological concentrations of 1,25-(OH)2D3 were the most effective in stimulating (7.5-fold) the 1,25-(OH)2D3 24-hydroxylase, while the 25-OHD3 24-hydroxylase stimulation (4-fold) required a 1,25-(OH)2D3 concentration of 10(-7) M. The stimulating effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on the 1,25-(OH)2D3 24-hydroxylase was temperature-dependent, and, since its was inhibited by actinomycin D and cycloheximide, required de novo protein synthesis. 1,24,25-(OH)3D3, 25-OHD3, and 24,25-(OH)2D3 were 10- to 1000-fold less potent than 1,25-(OH)2D3 in inducing the 1,25-(OH)2D3 hydroxylase. Our results strongly suggest that 1,25-(OH)2D3 regulated the 1,25-(OH)2D3 24-hydroxylase by a receptor-mediated process. Furthermore, 1,25-(OH)2D3 at 10(-9) M induced within 4 h an increase of its own degradation and the formation of an as yet unidentified major 1,25-(OH)2[3H]D3 metabolite. We conclude that the yolk sac can participate in the regulation of 1,25-(OH)2D3 concentration in the fetoplacental unit.     

A rapid assay for 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 24-hydroxylase

A rapid method for the measurement of the 24-hydroxylated metabolites of 25-hydroxy[26,27-3H]vitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxy[26,27-3H]vitamin D3 has been developed. This measurement has, in turn, made possible a rapid assay for the 24-hydroxylases of the vitamin D system. The assay involves the use of 26,27-3H-labeled 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 as the substrate and treatment of the enzyme reaction mixture with sodium periodate, which specifically cleaves the 24-hydroxylated products between carbons 24 and 25, releasing tritiated acetone. The acetone is measured after its separation from the labeled substrate by using a reversed-phase cartridge. The results obtained with this assay were validated by comparison with the results obtained with a well-established high-performance liquid chromatography assay. The activity of the enzyme determined by both methods was equal. This assay has been successfully used for the rapid screening of column fractions during purification of the enzyme and in the screening for monoclonal antibodies to the 24-hydroxylase.     

Immunopurified 25-hydroxyvitamin D 1 alpha-hydroxylase and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 24-hydroxylase are closely related but distinct enzymes.

The chick kidney mitochondrial cytochrome P-450 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 24-hydroxylase was partially purified by sequential polyethylene glycol precipitation, aminohexyl-Sepharose 4B, and hydroxylapatite chromatography. The specific activity of the final preparation, when reconstituted with NADPH, adrenodoxin, and adrenodoxin reductase, was 245 pmol/min/mg of protein or 0.56 pmol/min/pmol of P-450. The specific cytochrome P-450 content was 0.45-0.73 nmol/mg of protein. BALB/c mice immunized with this preparation developed serum polyclonal antibodies to the 24-hydroxylase, as demonstrated by immunoprecipitation. Splenic lymphocytes from an immunized mouse were fused with myeloma NSI/1-Ag-4-1 cells, and hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies to the 24-hydroxylase were detected by immunoprecipitation. The hybridoma lines were cloned by limiting dilution and further characterized as IgG1, IgG3, and IgM subclasses. In one-dimensional immunoblots of soluble 24-hydroxylase preparations, the monoclonal antibodies revealed a single band with an apparent molecular weight of 59,000. The monoclonal antibodies did not cross-react with cytochrome P-450s from other species but immunoprecipitated and immunoblotted a soluble chick renal mitochondrial 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 1 alpha-hydroxylase preparation, demonstrating the close similarity of these two hydroxylases. These antibodies were coupled to Sepharose CL-4B and used to isolate to homogeneity the two enzymes from chick kidney mitochondria. Amino-terminal sequences and amino acid composition data demonstrate that these enzymes are different but homologous.     

Regulation of the procine 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase (CYP24) by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and parathyroid hormone in AOK-B50 cells

The 24-hydroxylase is the enzyme responsible for the first step in the catabolism of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, the active form of vitamin D. This enzyme was shown to be upregulated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 itself and downregulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH). Upregulation of 24-hydroxylase by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 has been characterized; however, the mechanism by which PTH acts to downregulate 24-hydroxylase expression remains unknown. Here we report the cloning of the porcine 24-hydroxylase, and show that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-stimulated 24-hydroxylase mRNA and activity are repressed by PTH in AOK-B50 cells, a porcine kidney proximal tubule cell line with stably transfected opossum PTH receptors. Forskolin mimicked the effects of PTH consistent with in vivo data, and suppression by PTH was not due to changes in VDR levels. The first 1400 bp of the 24-hydroxylase promoter were not able to mediate the effects of PTH on a reporter gene. In view of the above findings we concluded that AOK-B50 cells are a suitable model for further studying the mechanism of action of PTH on 24-hydroxylase mRNA.     

C-25 hydroxylation of 1alpha,24(R)-dihydroxyvitamin D3 is catalyzed by 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1): metabolism studies with human keratinocytes and rat recombinant CYP24A1

Recently, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1) has been shown to catalyze not only hydroxylation at C-24 but also hydroxylations at C-23 and C-26 of the secosteroid hormone 1alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1alpha,25(OH)2D3). It remains to be determined whether CYP24A1 has the ability to hydroxylate vitamin D3 compounds at C-25. 1alpha,24(R)-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3) is a non-25-hydroxylated synthetic vitamin D3 analog that is presently being used as an antipsoriatic drug. In the present study, we investigated the metabolism of 1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3 in human keratinocytes in order to examine the ability of CYP24A1 to hydroxylate 1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3 at C-25. The results indicated that keratinocytes metabolize 1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3 into several previously known both 25-hydroxylated and non-25-hydroxylated metabolites along with two new metabolites, namely 1alpha,23,24(OH)3D3 and 1alpha,24(OH)2-23-oxo-D3. Production of the metabolites including the 25-hydroxylated ones was detectable only when CYP24A1 activity was induced in keratinocytes 1alpha,25(OH)2D3. This finding provided indirect evidence to indicate that CYP24A1 catalyzes C-25 hydroxylation of 1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3. The final proof for this finding was obtained through our metabolism studies using highly purified recombinant rat CYP24A1 in a reconstituted system. Incubation of this system with 1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3 resulted in the production of both 25-hydroxylated and non-25-hydroxylated metabolites. Thus, in our present study, we identified CYP24A1 as the main enzyme responsible for the metabolism of 1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3 in human keratinocytes, and provided unequivocal evidence to indicate that the multicatalytic enzyme CYP24A1 has the ability to hydroxylate 1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3 at C-25.     

Characteristics of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D3- and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase(s) from HL-60 cells.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 induces the human promyelocyte leukemia cell line, HL-60, to differentiate into macrophages/monocytes via a steroid-receptor mechanism. This system is a relevant one for an investigation of the molecular mechanism of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. We have now examined the effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on the induction of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3- and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase activities in HL-60 cells. The hydroxylase activities were measured by a periodate-based assay, which was validated by comparison with well-established HPLC analysis. HPLC analysis also suggested that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 induces a 23-hydroxylase in addition to the 24-hydroxylase. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3- and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase activities were stimulated as early as 4 h after the addition of 10(-7) M 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and became maximal by 24 h. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 stimulated both activities in a dose-dependent manner up to 10(-6) M. The Km of 24-hydroxylase for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 were 2 x 10(-8) M and 5.2 x 10(-7) M, respectively. Cycloheximide (5 microM) inhibited 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-mediated stimulation of 24-hydroxylase activity. Other differentiation inducers, such as retinoic acid and phorbol ester, did not induce either activity. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase in HL-60 mitochondria was solubilized with 0.6% cholate and reconstituted with NADPH, beef adrenal ferredoxin, and beef adrenal ferredoxin reductase, each component being essential for 24-hydroxylase activity. These results strongly suggest that the 24-hydroxylase in HL-60 cells is a three-component cytochrome P450-dependent mixed-function oxidase.     

Primary Human Osteoblasts in Response to 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3, 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 24R,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3

The most biologically active metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D₃) has well known direct effects on osteoblast growth and differentiation in vitro. The precursor 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25(OH)D₃) can affect osteoblast function via conversion to 1,25(OH)₂D₃, however, it is largely unknown whether 25(OH)D₃ can affect primary osteoblast function on its own. Furthermore, 25(OH)D₃ is not only converted to 1,25(OH)₂D₃, but also to 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (24R,25(OH)₂D₃) which may have bioactivity as well. Therefore we used a primary human osteoblast model to examine whether 25(OH)D₃ itself can affect osteoblast function using CYP27B1 silencing and to investigate whether 24R,25(OH)₂D₃ can affect osteoblast function. We showed that primary human osteoblasts responded to both 25(OH)D₃ and 1,25(OH)₂D₃ by reducing their proliferation and enhancing their differentiation by the increase of alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and osteopontin expression. Osteoblasts expressed CYP27B1 and CYP24 and synthesized 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and 24R,25(OH)₂D₃ dose-dependently. Silencing of CYP27B1 resulted in a decline of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ synthesis, but we observed no significant differences in mRNA levels of differentiation markers in CYP27B1-silenced cells compared to control cells after treatment with 25(OH)D₃. We demonstrated that 24R,25(OH)₂D₃ increased mRNA levels of alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and osteopontin. In addition, 24R,25(OH)₂D₃ strongly increased CYP24 mRNA. In conclusion, the vitamin D metabolites 25(OH)D₃, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and 24R,25(OH)₂D₃ can affect osteoblast differentiation directly or indirectly. We showed that primary human osteoblasts not only respond to 1,25(OH)₂D₃, but also to 24R,25(OH)₂D₃ by enhancing osteoblast differentiation. This suggests that 25(OH)D₃ can affect osteoblast differentiation via conversion to the active metabolite 1,25(OH)₂D₃, but also via conversion to 24R,25(OH)₂D₃. Whether 25(OH)D₃ has direct actions on osteoblast function needs further investigation.     

Ketoconazole inhibits self-induced metabolism of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and amplifies 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor up-regulation in rat osteosarcoma cells

Ketoconazole (an inhibitor of vitamin D-24 hydroxylase) was used to study the role of self-induced 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-D3) metabolism on cellular responsiveness to 1,25-D3. Eighteen hours of treatment with 1,25-dihydroxy-[26,27-methyl-3H]vitamin D3 (1,25-[3H]D3) increased total 1,25-D3 receptors (VDR) from 60 to 170 fmol mg/protein. In cells treated with both 1,25-[3H]D3 and ketoconazole, up-regulation of VDR was increased by 40% over that observed with cells receiving 1,25-[3H]D3 alone. Ketoconazole alone had no agonistic activity. Treatment of cells with 1 nM 1,25-[3H]D3 plus increasing doses of ketoconazole (0-30 microM) resulted in a dose-dependent increase in occupied VDR and total VDR. This up-regulation was associated with reduced 1,25-[3H]D3 catabolism. 1,25-[3H]D3-induced up-regulation of VDR typically peaked at 14 h and declined thereafter. Ketoconazole lengthened the time to reach peak VDR up-regulation to 20 h. The ability of ketoconazole to increase cell responsiveness (VDR up-regulation) was the result of both increased and prolonged occupancy of VDR by 1,25-[3H]D3. The t1/2 of occupied VDR was 2 h in the absence of ketoconazole and greater than 7 h when ketoconazole was present. Collectively, these results suggested that self-induced catabolism of 1,25-D3 is an important regulator of VDR occupancy and therefore cellular responsiveness to hormone. These data also demonstrate the usefulness of ketoconazole as an inhibitor of vitamin D hydroxylases in intact cells.     

The role of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and parathyroid hormone in the regulation of chick renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase.

A single 325-pmol dose of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ given to chicks fed a vitamin D-deficient diet containing 3% calcium and 0.6% phosphorus suppresses renal mitochondrial 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃-1α-hydroxylase and stimulates the 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃-24-hydroxylase as measured by in vitro assay. This alteration in the enzymatic activity takes place over a period of hours. The administration of parathyroid hormone rapidly suppresses the 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃-24-hydroxylase. The alterations in the hydroxylases by parathyroid hormone or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ are not related to changes in serum clacium or phosphate but could be related to changes in intracellular levels of these ions. Actinomycin D or cycloheximide given in vivo reduces the 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃-24-hydroxylase activity rapidly which suggests that the turnover of the enzyme and its messenger RNA is rapid (1- and 5-h half-life, respectively). The half-lives of the hydroxylases are sufficiently short to permit a consideration that the regulation by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ and parathyroid hormone may involve enzyme synthesis and degradation.     

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 22-oxa-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in vivo nuclear receptor binding in developing bone during endochondral and intramembranous ossification

Target cells for ³H-labeled 1, 25(OH)₂ vitamin D₃ [1,25(OH)₂D₃, vitamin D] and its analog ³H-labeled 22-oxa-1, 25(OH)₂ vitamin D₃ (OCT) have been identified during endochondral and intramembranous ossification in developing, undecalcified, unembedded bone, using thaw-mount autoradiography. Two-day-old neonatal rats were injected with [³H]1,25(OH)₂D₃ or [³H]OCT; after 2 h leg, spine, and head were frozen and sectioned. In the epiphyseal-metaphyseal region specific nuclear concentrations of [³H]1,25(OH)₂D₃ and [³H]OCT were observed in identical cell populations, being low in cells of the articular and resting zone, intermediate in the proliferating zone, and highest in hypertrophic chondrocytes and in osteoblasts and precursor cells. In the primary spongiosa intertrabecular spaces there were a large number of cells with nuclear labeling — probably osteoblasts and precursor cells. In contrast, in the secondary spongiosa intertrabecular spaces, apparent blood-forming cells were mostly unlabeled. Osteoblasts along bone spicules and compact bone in long bones, vertebrae, and head also showed strong nuclear labeling, as did cells of the periosteum. These data suggest that 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and OCT regulate development, differentiation, and activities of chondrocytes and osteoblasts, including differentiation of resting chondrocytes into proliferating and hypertrophic chondrocytes that involve chondroclastic enlargement of lacunae and trans-differentiation of surviving hypertrophic chondrocytes; differentiation of stroma cells into osteoblasts; and in periosteum and other regions of intramembranous ossification differentiation of precursor cells and osteoblasts. Nuclear receptor binding and their selective and hierarchical distribution during cell differentiation appear to correspond to multiple genomic effects toward growth, regeneration and repair. The findings indicate a physiological significance and therapeutic potential of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and in particular of its less hypercalcemic analog OCT.On leave from the University of North Carolina     

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 induces in vivo the decidualization of rat endometrial cells

Intraluminal injection of female rats at Day 5 of pseudopregnancy with 10-500 ng 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) significantly increased the uterine weight and induced decidual reaction. This effect was observed as early as the 3rd day after 1,25-(OH)2D3 injection. It was detectable only in the injected left horn and not in the non-injected right horn. A 500 ng dose of 25-(OH)D3 had no such effect. The present in-vivo results suggest that 1,25-(OH)2D3 may play a physiological role in endometrial cell differentiation into decidual cells, a crucial step in the process of blastocyst implantation.     

Parathyroid hormone is not involved in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D regulation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D metabolism in vivo

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D₃ administration to vitamin D-deficient rats suppresses accumulation of 1,25-dihydroxy-[3α-³H]vitamin D₃ and stimulates accumulation of 24,25-dihydroxy-[3α-³3H]vitamin D₃ from 25-hydroxy-[3α-³H]vitamin D₃ equally well in the presence and absence of parathyroid glands. These results demonstrate that this regulatory action is not mediated by the parathyroid glands and support conclusions from $\text{in}\text{vitro}$ studies that this represents a direct action of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃.     

25-Hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase in rat kidney mitochondria

Assay conditions for the measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase activity in rat kidney mitochondria have been worked out. The product, 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was quantitated either by high pressure liquid chromatography or by isotope dilution-mass spectrometry. By these procedures, the enzyme activity could be measured with saturating concentration (greater than 2.5 X 10(-6) M) of substrate. Pretreatment of the animals by aminophylline (Kulkowski, J. A., Chow, T., Martinez, J., and Ghazarian, J. G. (1979) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 90, 50-57) stimulated the 24-hydroxylase activity in vitro at least 2 to 3-fold. The identity of the product was verified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The rates of the reaction varied between 1.5 and 5 pmol/mg of mitochondrial protein.min (at 25 degrees C), and the K'm was determined to be 4.2 X 10(-7) M. Malate, succinate, and isocitrate were all able to support the reaction. Low O2 tension, CO, KCN, and the uncoupler carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone inhibited the reaction, while the respiratory inhibitor rotenone had no effect. Metyrapone inhibited the reaction with 50% inhibition at a concentration of 2.5 mumol/ml. The enzyme was found to be localized inside the inner mitochondrial membrane. The results indicate that in the rat the renal mitochondrial 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase is a cytochrome P-450 and that the reducing equivalents are primarily supplied by NADPH via the energy-dependent transhydrogenase.     

Isolation and identification of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-24-oxovitamin D3, 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 26,23-lactone, and 1 alpha,24(S),25-trihydroxyvitamin D3: in vivo metabolites of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

Three new in vivo metabolites of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 were isolated from the serum of dogs given large doses (two doses of 1.5 mg/dog) of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. The metabolites were isolated and purified by methanol-chloroform extraction and a series of chromatographic procedures. By cochromatography on a high-performance liquid chromatograph, ultraviolet absorption spectrophotometry, mass spectrometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometry, and specific chemical reactions, the metabolites were identified as 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-24- oxovitamin D3, 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 26,23-lactone, and 1 alpha,24(S),25-trihydroxyvitamin D3. According to these procedures, the total amounts of the isolated metabolites were as follows: 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 23.6 micrograms; 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-24- oxovitamin D3, 1.8 micrograms; 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 26,23-lactone, 9.2 micrograms; 1 alpha,24(R),25-trihydroxyvitamin D3, 15.4 micrograms; 1 alpha,24(S),25-trihydroxyvitamin D3, 1.0 microgram. With recovery corrections, the serum levels of each metabolite were approximately 49 ng/mL for 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 3.7 ng/mL for 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-24- oxovitamin D3, 19 ng/mL for 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 26,23-lactone, 32 ng/mL for 1 alpha,24(R),25-trihydroxyvitamin D3, and 2.1 ng/mL for 1 alpha,24(S),25-trihydroxyvitamin D3.     

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 interaction with dexamethasone and retinoic acid: effects on procollagen messenger ribonucleic acid levels in rat osteoblast-like cells

We previously have reported that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3], dexamethasone, and retinoic acid inhibit collagen synthesis in rat osteoblast-like cell primary cultures. We also have found that dexamethasone increases 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor levels in these cells. Furthermore, this increase in 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor level is paralleled by an enhanced inhibition of collagen synthesis when dexamethasone and 1,25-(OH)2D3 are used in combination. In contrast, retinoic acid at high doses decreases 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor level in rat osteoblast-like cells and attenuates 1,25-(OH)2D3 inhibition of collagen synthesis. In the present study, we have used a [32P]cDNA probe for rat pro alpha 1 (I) to determine if these osteotropic agents act by modulating steady state procollagen mRNA levels. Hybridization with a [32P]cDNA probe for human actin was used as a control. We find that the steady state levels of procollagen mRNA are decreased in all cases, while there are negligible changes in actin mRNA levels. Dexamethasone, at the low dose of 13 nM, acts synergistically with 1,25-(OH)2D3 in decreasing procollagen mRNA levels. The effects of retinoic acid and 1,25-(OH)2D3 are additive at low doses (13 and 130 nM); however, at a high dose of retinoic acid (1.3 microM), combined treatment with 1,25-(OH)2D3 does not reduce procollagen mRNA levels beyond the decrease due to retinoic acid alone. The reduction in procollagen mRNA level after each of these treatments falls in the same range as inhibition of collagen synthesis measured at the protein level. These data suggest that the synthesis of collagen under these treatments is controlled primarily through modulation of steady state procollagen mRNA levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)