Presence of a 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 receptor in chick skeletal muscle myoblasts

The presence of a specific receptor for 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 was investigated in myoblasts released from chick embryo skeletal muscle by trypsin and collagenase treatment. Density gradient analysis of the cytosol obtained from these muscle cell preparations showed that 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 binds specifically to a 3.7 S macromolecule. Scatchard analysis yielded an equilibrium dissociation constant of 2.46 x 10(-10) M and a Nmax of 74 fmol/mg of cytosol protein. The data is in agreement with previous evidence which indicates that the action of the vitamin D metabolite on muscle Ca uptake is mediated by de novo protein and RNA synthesis, and supports the concept that muscle is a target organ for 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3.     

Induction of specific proteins in cultured skeletal muscle cells by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3

The presence in myoblasts of an intracellular receptor specific for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 [1,25(OH)2D3) and 1,25(OH)2D3-dependent changes in myoblast Ca2+ transport and phospholipid metabolism which are suppressed by RNA and protein synthesis inhibitors have been shown. In agreement with these observations, incubation of chick embryo myoblasts, precultured for 24 h in a medium containing low levels of vitamin D-3 metabolites, with 1,25(OH)2D3 at conditions which induce maximum cell responses (10(-10) M, 24 h) markedly stimulated the incorporation of [3H]leucine into total cell proteins and this effect was abolished when sterol treatment was performed in the presence of cycloheximide or puromycin. To investigate whether 1,25(OH)2D3 selectively stimulates the de novo synthesis of muscle cell proteins, mixtures of myoblast proteins from control and sterol-treated cultures labelled with [14C]leucine and [3H]leucine, respectively, were separated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focussing. Examination of 3H/14C ratios in gel fractions revealed that 1,25-(OH)2D3 stimulates the production of proteins of molecular masses (isoelectric points) of 9 kDa (4.1 and 8.5), 17 kDa (7.5), 30 kDa (7.2), 40 kDa (5.5), 55 kDa (4.5) and 100 kDa (8.6). Cell fractionation studies showed the following subcellular distribution: 9 kDa (85% cytosol, 15% microsomes); 17 and 100 kDa (100%, 1200 X g pellet); 30 kDa (65% cytosol, 35% mitochondria); 40 kDa (100% microsomes); 55 kDa (65% microsomes, 35% mitochondria). Marker enzyme data indicated that this distribution is not due to cross-contamination between fractions. Affinity chromatography of double-labelled myoblast proteins on an immobilized lectin showed that the 55 kDa protein contains carbohydrate. Labelling of myoblast proteins with 45CaCl2 after their separation on SDS-polyacrylamide gels showed in addition that the 1,25(OH)2D3-dependent proteins of 9, 17, 40 and 100 kDa are major Ca2+-binding components of the cells. Synthesis of these proteins may mediate the effects of the sterol on myoblast calcium metabolism.     

A guanine nucleotide-binding protein mediates 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D-3-dependent rapid stimulation of Ca2+ uptake in skeletal muscle.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D-3 (1,25(OH)2D3) has been shown to increase Ca2+ uptake readily in skeletal muscle through a dihydropyridine-sensitive pathway, cAMP levels and adenylate cyclase activity. In the present study, fluoride (F-), a potent guanine nucleotide binding protein (G protein) stimulator, rapidly increases vitamin D-deficient skeletal muscle Ca2+ uptake in a dose-dependent manner and with a similar time-course as 1,25(OH)2D3. The increment is detected within 1 min (15%) and steadily increases up to 15 min (60%). The effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 and F- are also observed in muscle from normal, vitamin D-replete chicks. AlCl3, which is required for G protein stimulation by F-, potentiates the effects of F-, Ca2+ uptake in 1,25(OH)2D3-dependent muscle is potentiated by F- and, analogous to the hormone, the effects of F- can be suppressed by Ca(2+)-channel antagonists. Direct exposure of microsomal membranes to 1,25(OH)2D3 reduces the specific binding of [gamma-35S]GTP to the membranes 40%. Pretreatment of muscle with Bordetella pertussis toxin (PTX), known to inhibit Gi, or with cholera toxin (CTX), known to stimulate Gs, produces an acute elevation of muscle Ca2+ uptake. 1,25(OH)2D3 potentiates CTX, but has no additional effect on PTX-dependent Ca2+ uptake. These results indicate that an interaction with an inhibitory G protein coupled to adenylate cyclase may be part of the mechanism by which 1,25(OH)2D3 increase Ca2+ uptake through regulation of Ca(2+)-channel gating by a cAMP-dependent pathway in skeletal muscle.     

Role of protein kinase C in 1,25(OH)(2)-vitamin D(3) modulation of intracellular calcium during development of skeletal muscle cells in culture

Regulation of muscle cell Ca(2+) metabolism by 1, 25-dihydroxy-vitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)] is mediated by the classic nuclear mechanism and a fast, nongenomic mode of action that activates signal transduction pathways. The role of individual protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms in the regulation of intracellular Ca(2+) levels ([Ca(2+)](i)) by the hormone was investigated in cultured proliferating (myoblasts) and differentiated (myotubes) chick skeletal muscle cells. 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) (10(-9) M) induced a rapid (30- to 60-s) and sustained (>5-min) increase in [Ca(2+)](i) which was markedly higher in myotubes than in myoblasts. The effect was suppressed by the PKC inhibitor calphostin C. In differentiated cells, PKC activity increased in the particulate fraction and decreased in cytosol to a greater extent than in proliferating cells after 5-min treatment with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). By Western blot analysis, these changes were correlated to translocation of the PKC alpha isoform from cytosol to the particulate fraction, which was more pronounced in myotubes than in myoblasts. Specific inhibition of PKC alpha activity using antibodies against this isoform decreased the 1, 25(OH)(2)D(3)-induced [Ca(2+)](i) sustained response associated with Ca(2+) influx through voltage-dependent calcium channels. Neomycin, a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, blocked its effects on [Ca(2+)](i), PKC activity, and translocation of PKC alpha. Exposure of myotubes to 1,2-dioleyl-rac-glycerol (1,2-diolein), also increased [Ca(2+)](i), PKC activity, and the amount of PKC alpha associated with the particulate fraction. Changes in [Ca(2+)](i) induced by diolein were inhibited by calphostin C and nifedipine. The results indicate that PKC alpha activation via PLC-catalyzed phosphoinositide hydrolysis is part of the mechanism by which 1, 25(OH)(2)D(3) regulates muscle intracellular Ca(2+) through modulation of the Ca(2+) influx pathway of the Ca(2+) response to the sterol.     

Modulation of DNA synthesis in cultured muscle cells by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3

Biphasic effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 on DNA synthesis were shown in primary cultured (24 h) chick embryo myoblasts exposed to physiological concentrations of the hormone. The sterol stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA in proliferating myoblasts, e.g., at early stages of culture prior to cell fusion or in high serum-treated cells. The opposite effects were observed during the subsequent stage of myoblast differentiation in low-serum media. The mitogenic effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 was correlated with an increase in c-myc mRNA and a decrease in c-fos mRNA levels, whereas its inhibitory action on DNA synthesis was accompanied by increased myofibrillar and microsomal protein synthesis and an elevation of creatine kinase activity, the latter suggesting a stimulation of muscle cell differentiation by the sterol. These data are in agreement with the results of previous morphological studies. Treatment of myoblasts with the calcium ionophore X-537 A or the phorbol ester TPA caused only a transient stimulation of [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA, which occurred earlier than the response elicited by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3, suggesting that changes in intracellular Ca2+ and kinase C activity are not major mediators of the hormone effects. A similar temporal profile of changes in calmodulin mRNA levels as that of [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA was observed after treatment of myoblasts with the sterol, in accordance with the role of calmodulin in the regulation of cell proliferation. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 may play a function in embryonic muscle growth and differentiation.     

The phospholipid and fatty acid composition of skeletal muscle cells during culture in the presence of vitamin D-3 metabolites

The phospholipid and fatty acid composition of primary cultures (24 h) of chick embryo skeletal muscle myoblasts treated for 4-24 h with physiological concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D-3 were analyzed. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D-3 did not alter the relative amounts of individual muscle cell phospholipids whereas 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 significantly increased phosphatidylcholine content, mainly at the expense of a decrease in phosphatidylethanolamine concentration. The increase in phosphatidylcholine occurred at a faster rate during the first 8 h than in the subsequent 8-24 h treatment period. A similar time course in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-dependent changes in myoblast calcium uptake has been observe. In addition, this metabolite markedly increased (100%) the arachidonate content of myoblast phosphatidylcholine near the fusion stage of the cells (24 h of treatment). The levels of docosahexaenoate, a minor polyunsaturated fatty acid, in phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine were also substantially elevated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3. No significant changes in fatty acid composition in response to 25-hydroxyvitamin D-3 were observed. Modifications in phospholipids and polyunsaturated fatty acids may play a role in the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 on muscle cell calcium transport and differentiation.     

1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D3-induced 45CA uptake in vascular myocytes cultured from spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats

The effect of 1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D3 on basal 45Ca uptake was examined in vascular smooth muscle cells cultured from mesenteric arteries of spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) normotensive rats. Basal uptake of 45Ca was significantly greater in myocytes of WKY than SHR at 5, 10, 30 and 60 min incubation with the isotope. Incubation with 1 ng/ml 1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D3 for 48 hr increased basal 45Ca uptake between 1-10 min in SHR and between 5-10 min in WKY. The dose-response relationship indicated that cells from both strains are equally sensitive to the calciotropic effects of 1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D3 with half-maximal stimulation occurring at approximately 0.3-0.4 ng/ml. In cells of both strains maximal stimulation of 45Ca uptake was achieved only after a 12-24 hr period of incubation with hormone and pretreatment with cycloheximide inhibited 1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D3-enhanced 45Ca uptake. Although 45Ca binding by extracellular matrix material was significantly greater in WKY than SHR, 1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D3 had no effect on the amount of matrix 45Ca binding in either strain. These results suggest that 1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D3 induces an increase in intracellular protein synthesis that results in enhanced 45Ca uptake. The similar responses of the two strains indicate that hypertensive smooth muscle is not more sensitive to 1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D3 and the Ca2+ response is a general property of vascular muscle.     

The effect of inhibitors of protein and RNA synthesis on 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-dependent calcium uptake in cultured embryonic chick duodenum

To determine whether 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-dependent increases in intestinal calcium uptake require de novo protein and RNA synthesis, the effects of several inhibitors of these processes have been re-examined in vitro using cultured embryonic chick duodenum. To minimize the contributions of antibiotic toxicity to the interpretation of results, care was taken to examine inhibitor effects at early times after the onset of the 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 response. Cycloheximide at a concentration of 5 microM blocked hormone-dependent calcium uptake at all times examined (6 to 24 h). Actinomycin D was similarly effective at 6 to 12 h. The effects of cycloheximide were totally reversible while actinomycin D inhibition was only partially reversible. These compounds inhibited protein or RNA synthesis by 68.4 +/- 1.4 and 51.4 +/- 1.1%, respectively. Anisomycin, another inhibitor of polypeptide chain elongation and alpha-amanitin, an inhibitor of RNA polymerase I, also blocked 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-dependent calcium uptake after 12 h in culture. These results further strengthen the hypothesis that 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 stimulates intestinal calcium transport via a nuclear mechanism involving new gene expression.     

Effects of 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 on phosphate accumulation by myoblasts.

The effects of 1,25-dihydroxy-Vitamin D3 on phosphate uptake by cultured chick embryonic muscle cells were investigated. Preincubation of primary myoblast cultures during 4-24 hours with physiological levels of 1,25(OH)2D3 resulted in a significant stimulation of velocity and total capacity of phosphate accumulation by the cells. Maximal responses were obtained at 8 hours of treatment with the sterol. In agreement with previous studies, 25-hydroxy-Vitamin D3 also stimulated myoblast phosphate uptake. 24,25-dihydroxy-Vitamin D3 and vitamin D3 were ineffective. Evidence was obtained indicating that 1,25(OH)2D3 affects the Na(+)-linked component of muscle cell phosphate uptake through a mechanism dependent on "de movo" protein and RNA synthesis.     

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 stimulates 45Ca2+ uptake by cultured adult rat ventricular cardiac muscle cells

This study tested the hypothesis that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) and its previously described cardiac receptors play roles in regulating intracellular calcium homeostasis in cardiac muscle cells. This question was addressed by assessing whether 1,25-(OH)2D3 influences 45Ca2+ uptake by homogeneous cultures of adult rat ventricular cardiac muscle cells. Twenty-four h prior to the measurement of 45Ca2+ uptake, the cells were transferred to serum-free medium ([Ca2+], 1.0 mM) containing 1.0 nM 1,25(OH)2D3 or vehicle. The cells were then incubated with 45Ca2+ for periods up to 60 min at room temperature, followed by removal of excess external 45Ca2+ by washing repeatedly with La3+. Pretreating the cells with 1,25-(OH)2D3 caused 3-fold stimulation (p less than 0.005) of 45Ca2+ uptake. Stimulation of 45Ca2+ uptake required a prolonged (8-12 h) exposure to 1,25-(OH)2D3, suggesting a receptor-mediated phenomenon. Concentrations of 0.01-10 nM 1,25-(OH)2D3 yielded a dose-response curve which peaked at 1.0 nM and decreased at higher concentrations. Steroid specificity was established by the failure of 1.0 nM levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, estradiol-17 beta, and progesterone to change 45Ca2+ uptake. Sucrose gradient analysis confirmed the presence of a specific 3-4 S 3H-1,25-(OH)2D3 binding component both in freshly isolated and in cultured ventricular cardiac muscle cells. The stimulatory effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on 45Ca2+ uptake was abolished by the concomitant incubation of the cells with cycloheximide or actinomycin D, demonstrating a requirement for protein and nucleic acid synthesis. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that 1,25-(OH)2D3 stimulates 45Ca2+ uptake in adult ventricular cardiac muscle cells by a mechanism resembling a receptor-mediated phenomenon.     

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 stimulates 45Ca2+-uptake by cultured vascular smooth muscle cells derived from rat aorta

We have recently shown the presence of receptors for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 stimulates Ca-ATPase in vascular smooth muscle cells presumably via receptor mediated mechanism. These data suggest that the sterol may directly be involved in the regulation of cellular calcium homeostasis. To further define action of vitamin D in smooth muscle cells, we studied effect of the sterol on cellular uptake of calcium. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake by cultured cells, A7r5, derived from fetal rat aorta, when the cells were incubated with the sterol for 18 hr. The effect was dose-dependent at 10(-10) to 10(-9) M, and three orders of magnitude higher concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 or 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was needed to obtain similar effects. Furthermore, the effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was abolished by cycloheximide (10(-5) M), a protein synthesis inhibitor. These data clearly suggest that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 may directly regulate cellular calcium homeostasis in vascular smooth muscle cells presumably via receptor mediated mechanism.     

Vitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 stimulate the skeletal muscle-calcium mobilization in rachitic chicks

The Ca content in skeletal muscle relative to vitamin D3 intake was studied in chicks. It was found that the Ca content in rachitic chick muscle was significantly higher than normal and it decreased with vitamin D3 treatment. In 4-week-old chicks fed a vitamin D-deficient diet, the Ca content in leg muscle reached 9.86 +/- 1.07 mg/100 g wet wt, although in chicks receiving vitamin D3 in doses of 100 and 500 IU/kg diet, it was 7.80 +/- 0.72 and 6.08 +/- 0.61 mg/100 g wet wt, respectively. A single i.m. dose of 0.50 micrograms of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) or vitamin D3 caused a dramatic decrease in the muscle Ca content by 3 to 6 h after the injection. A simultaneous rise in the Ca level in blood serum was observed. However, at this time the Ca binding protein content in duodenal mucosa and the stimulation of Ca absorption were negligible. These findings allow the conclusion that the vitamin D deficiency in chicks leads to a surplus Ca accumulation in skeletal muscle. The administration of vitamin D3 or its metabolites causes rapid Ca release during the first 6 h. This may be the source of the Ca level increase in blood serum. In this respect 1,25(OH)2D3 was much more effective than vitamin D3.     

Regulation of cellular retinol binding protein type II by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

Previously we purified and sequenced an 18-kDa chick duodenal protein that was modulated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. The N-terminus of this protein has striking sequence homology to cellular retinol binding protein type II (CRBP II). Furthermore, this purified chick protein binds retinol. Antibodies have now been generated to the chick protein and used for immunoblot analysis to demonstrate that the chick protein has molecular weight, tissue distribution, and subcellular localization similar to rat CRBP II. These antibodies also cross-reacted with rat CRBP II. Antibodies to rat CRBP II cross-react with the chick protein. Northern analysis using a cDNA probe for rat CRBP II showed a single 860 base pair mRNA in both chick and rat intestinal RNA preparations. These results demonstrate that the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 modulated protein in chick embryonic organ culture is chick CRBP II. Pulse-chase experiments in chick embryonic duodenal organ culture strongly suggest that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 markedly decreases the synthesis of CRBP II, while not changing the degradation rate. The concentration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 required for the decrease in CRBP II synthesis is approximately that required to stimulate calcium uptake into embryonic chick duodenal organ cultures.     

Effect of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in plasma membrane targets in immature rat testis: ionic channels and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity

1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25D(3)) is critical for the maintenance of normal reproduction since reduced fertility is observed in vitamin D-deficient male rats. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 1,25D(3) in 30-day-old rat testicular plasma membrane targets (calcium uptake and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) activity), as well as to highlight the role of protein kinases in the mechanism of action of 1,25D(3). The results demonstrated that 1,25D(3) induced a fast increase in calcium uptake in rat testis through a nongenomic mechanism of action. This effect was dependent on PKA, PKC and MEK. Moreover, ionic channels, such as ATP- and Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels and Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) channels, are involved in the mechanism of action. The use of BAPTA-AM showed that [Ca(2+)](i) was also implicated, and the incubation with digoxin produced an increase in (45)Ca(2+) uptake indicating that the effect of 1,25D(3) may also result from Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase inhibition. In addition, 1,25D(3) was able to increase the GGTP activity. Considered together, our results indicate a PKA/PKC/MEK-dependent 1,25D(3) pathway as well as ionic involvement leading to (45)Ca(2+) uptake in immature rat testis. These findings demonstrate that 1,25D(3) stimulates calcium uptake and increases GGTP activity which may be involved in male reproductive functions.     

Oxygen-dependent 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol-induced calcium ion transport in rat intestine.

O2-dependent CA2+ uptake by rat duodenal discs has been characterized and used in a revised assay for 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol-induced intestinal Ca2+ transport. Although both muscle and mucosal surfaces are exposed in this free-floating-disc assay, the Ca2+ influx across the muscle surface is small, not O2- or vitamin D-dependent, and can be subtracted out. Depriving the animals of food for 9-14 h before assay increases the O2-dependent uptake by about 75%. Half-saturation values for O2-dependent Ca2+ uptake as determined with this assay are: 0.8mM-Ca2+ (fed) and 0.5mM-Ca2+ (food-deprived) for vitamin D-deficient rats, and 0.9mM-Ca2+ (fed) and 1.5mM-Ca2+ (food-deprived) for rats dosed with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. The maximum velocity of uptake varies from 6.7nmol of Ca2+ per cm2/min (fed) to 7.0nmol of Ca2+ per cm2/min (food-deprived) for vitamin D-deficient rats and 16.7nmol of Ca2+ per cm2/min (fed) to 29 nmol of Ca2+ per cm2/min (food-deprived) for 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol-treated rats. By using a 5 min preincubation and 15 min incubation with 1.0mM-Ca2+, duodenal tissue taken from vitamin D-treated rats shows about a 3-fold increase in O2-dependent Ca2+ uptake when compared with tissue taken from vitamin D-deficient animals. The calcium ionophore A23187, depending on concentration, either has no significant effect on or inhibits the O2-dependent uptake, rather than increasing it. Actinomycin D, at a dose of 2 micrograms/g, inhibits the O2-dependent uptake in intestinal discs from both vitamin D-deficient and vitamin D-treated rats by 58 and 80% respectively, when administered in vivo 3 1/2 h before assay.     

Characterization of a 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D3-responsive capacitative Ca2+ entry pathway in rat osteoblast-like cells

We investigated the existence of a capacitative Ca2+ entry (CCE) pathway in ROS 17/2.8 osteoblast-like cells and its responsiveness to 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]. Depletion of inner Ca2+ stores with thapsigargin or 1,25(OH)2D3 in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ transiently elevated cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i); after recovery of basal values, Ca2+ re-addition to the medium markedly increased Ca2+ entry, reflecting pre-activation of a CCE pathway. Recovery of the Ca2+ overshoot that followed the induced CCE was mainly mediated by the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase. Addition of 1,25(OH)2D3 to the declining phase of the thapsigargin-induced CCE did not modify further [Ca2+]i, indicating that steroid activation of CCE was dependent on store depletion. Pre-treatment with 1 microM Gd3+ inhibited 30% both thapsigargin- and 1,25(OH)2D3-stimulated CCE, whereas 2.5 microM Gd3+ was required for maximal inhibition ( approximately 85%). The activated CCE was permeable to both Mn2+ and Sr2+. Mn2+ entry sensitivity to Gd3+ was the same as that of the CCE. However, 1-microM Gd3+ completely prevented capacitative Sr2+ influx, whereas subsequent Ca2+ re-addition was reduced only 30%. These results suggest that in ROS 17/2.8 cells CCE induced by thapsigargin or 1,25(OH)2D3 is contributed by at least two cation entry pathways: a Ca2+/Mn2+ permeable route insensitive to very low micromolar (1 microM) Gd3+ accounting for most of the CCE and a minor Ca2+/Sr2+/Mn2+ permeable route highly sensitive to 1 microM Gd3+. The Ca2+-mobilizing agonist ATP also stimulated CCE resembling the Ca2+/Sr2+/Mn2+ permeable entry activated by 1,25(OH)2D3. The data demonstrates for the first time, the presence of a hormone-responsive CCE pathway in an osteoblast cell model, raising the possibility that it could be an alternative Ca2+ influx route through which osteotropic agents influence osteoblast Ca2+ homeostasis. Copyright Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Vimentin phosphorylation as a target of cell signaling mechanisms induced by 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in immature rat testes

The effects of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)] are mainly mediated by nuclear receptors modulating gene expression. However, there are increasing evidences of nongenomic mechanisms of this hormone associated with kinase- and calcium-activated signaling pathways. In this context, the aim of the present work was to investigate the signaling pathways involved in the mechanism of action of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) on vimentin phosphorylation in 15-day-old rat testes. Results showed that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) at concentrations ranging from 1 nM to 1 microM increased vimentin phosphorylation independent of protein synthesis. We also demonstrated that the mechanisms underlying the hormone action involve protein kinase C activation in a phospholipase C-independent manner. Moreover, we showed that the participation of protein kinase A, extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK), and intra- and extracellular Ca(2+) mediating the effects of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) on the cytoskeleton. In addition, we investigated the effect of different times of exposure to the hormone on total and phosphoERK1/2 or c-Jun N-terminal kinases 1/2 (JNK1/2) in immature rat testis. Results showed that the total levels of ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 were unaltered from 1 to 15 min exposure to 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). However, the phosphoERK1/2 levels significantly increased at 1 and 5 min 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) treatment. Furthermore, phosphoJNK1 levels were decreased at 10 and 15 min 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) exposure, while phosphoJNK 2 levels were diminished at 5, 10 and 15 min treatment with the hormone. These findings demonstrate that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) may modulate vimentin phosphorylation through nongenomic Ca(2+)-dependent mechanisms in testis cells.