Testosterone modulates gene expression pathways regulating nutrient accumulation, glucose metabolism and protein turnover in mouse skeletal muscle.

Testosterone regulates energy metabolism and skeletal muscle mass in males, but the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. This study investigated the response of skeletal muscle to castration and testosterone replacement in 8-week-old male mice. Using microarray analyses of mRNA levels in gastrocnemius muscle, 91 genes were found to be negatively regulated by testosterone and 68 genes were positively regulated. The mRNA levels of the insulin signalling suppressor molecule Grb10 and the glycogen synthesis inhibitors, protein phosphatase inhibitor-1 and phosphorylase kinase-γ, were negatively regulated by testosterone. The insulin-sensitive glucose and amino acid transporters, Glut3 and SAT2, the lipodystrophy gene, Lpin1 and protein targeting to glycogen were positively regulated. These changes would be expected to increase nutrient availability and sensing within skeletal muscle, increase metabolic rate and carbohydrate utilization and promote glycogen accumulation. The observed positive regulation of atrogin-1 (Fbxo32) by testosterone could be explained by the phosphorylation of Akt and Foxo3a, as determined by Western blotting. Testosterone prevented the castration-induced increase in interleukin-1α, the decrease in interferon-γ and the atrophy of the levator ani muscle, which were all correlated with testosterone-regulated gene expression. These findings identify specific mechanisms by which testosterone may regulate skeletal muscle glucose and protein metabolism.

Effect of age on the conversion of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 by kidney of rat.

The decreased absorption of calcium by the small intestine of the adult may reflect changes in vitamin D metabolism with age. The purpose of this study was to compare the capacity of young (1.5 mo of age) and adult (12 mo of age) vitamin D-deficient rats to convert 25-hydroxyvitamin D to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, the physiologically active form of vitamin D. Young rats responded to an oral dose of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 with significantly increased intestinal absorption of calcium and a three-fold increase in the intestinal content of vitamin D-stimulated calcium-binding protein. Adult rats showed no significant increase in these parameters. The conversion of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was measured in the whole animal by administering a dose of tritiated 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and determining the appearance of tritiated metabolites in plasma and small intestine. In the adult rat, only 2.1 +/- 0.6% of the plasma radioactivity was in the form of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 after 24 h compared with 20.8 +/- 3.0% in the young. The conversion of tritiated 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to its products was also measured directly in isolated slices of renal cortex. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 production by adult renal slices was found to be less than one-tenth that of slices from the young. These results indicate that there is a marked decrease in the capacity of the vitamin D-deficient adult rat to convert 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. This is probably due to the decreased capacity of the adult kidney to 1-hydroxylate 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. These studies also demonstrate the usefulness of renal slices in measuring changes in the renal conversion of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in the mammal.

Parathyroid hormone stimulation of the renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1alpha-hydroxylase--effect of age and free radicals.

The capacity of parathyroid hormone (PTH) to increase serum 1,25(OH)(2)D levels declines with age in both rats and humans. In young rats, PTH stimulates renal 1,25(OH)(2)D production and increases mRNA levels for the terminal mitochondrial P450 of the 1alpha-hydroxylase complex (CYP27B1 or CYP1alpha). However, in older rats PTH increases mRNA levels but not 1,25(OH)(2)D production. This suggests that in old animals there is either decreased CYP1alpha protein levels in response to PTH or that the protein produced lacks functionality. The CYP1alpha protein is located on the inner mitochondrial membrane, the site of increased free radical production with age. To study these possibilities, we examined the effect of PTH and free radicals on CYP1alpha expression in a model system-AOK-B50 renal tubular cells. PTH increased CYP1alpha mRNA and protein in a similar time-dependent manner, suggesting that CYP1alpha protein levels were largely regulated by mRNA levels. The effect of free radicals was determined by preincubation with hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), a standard model for studying free radical damage. H(2)O(2) inhibited PTH-stimulated CYP1alpha protein levels and 1,25(OH)(2)D production in a dose dependent manner. However, 1,25(OH)(2)D production was more sensitive to H(2)O(2) than was CYP1alpha protein levels. This suggests that the catalytic activity of the CYP1alpha protein may be reduced by free radical damage in these cells. Future studies will focus on detecting oxidative damage in this model system and in vivo.

Benzidine binding to nucleic acids mediated by the peroxidative activity of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthetase.

The cooxidative metabolism of the urinary bladder carcinogen benzidine was examined using renal inner medullary microsomes. The products of [14C]benzidine metabolism were recovered in the aqueous but not in the organic soluble fraction of reacting mixtures. The reactive metabolites formed during cooxidative metabolism of benzidine bound to DNA and transfer RNA. Cooxidative metabolism of benzidine and subsequent binding to nucleic acids was dependent upon specific fatty acid substrates and was blocked by inhibitors of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthetase. The ratio of the rates of benzidine product formation was approximately 10:3:1 (trichloroacetic acid precipitable:non-trichloroacetic acid precipitable:transfer RNA bound) over a wide range of arachidonic acid concentrations. Cumene hydroperoxide also initiated cooxidative metabolism of benzidine but was less effective than was arachidonic acid. In contrast to arachidonic acid, cumene hydroperoxide-mediated metabolism of benzidine and fuaiacol peroxidase activity was not blocked by indomethacin. Using electron paramagnetic resonance, radicals were detected after addition of arachidonic acid or cumene hydroperoxide to the microsomal preparation. Radical production was completely quenched by addition of benzidine or guaiacol. These results demonstrate that the peroxidative activity of renal medullary prostaglandin endoperoxide synthetase mediates benzidine metabolism and subsequent binding to nucleic acids.

Age-related changes in calcium and phosphorus uptake by rat small intestine.

The purpose of these experiments was to determine whether there are changes in intestinal Ca and P uptake with age and whether the regulation of Ca and P uptake changes with age. Experiments were performed in male Fischer 344 rats aged 2-3 months (young), 12-14 months (adult) and 22-24 months (old). Ca and P uptake were measured simultaneously by incubating everted intestinal sacs in a buffered salt solution containing radiolabeled 0.25 mM Ca and 1.0 mM P for 15 min. Ca uptake declined by over 50% with age in the duodenum, and P uptake showed a similar decline in both the duodenum and jejunum. The biggest decrease was seen between the young and adult age groups. These decreases in uptake were paralleled by decreases in serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D with age. Administration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 increased Ca uptake by 50-65% in the duodenum and increased P uptake by 85-120% in the duodenum and jejunum of both young and adult rats. Although 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 increased uptake by about the same percentage in each age group, the maximal uptake was much greater in the young than in the adult. Feeding a low-Ca diet increased duodenal Ca uptake by 68% and increased serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D over 2-fold in young rats. There was no significant increase in either parameter in adult rats fed a low-Ca diet. However, duodenal P uptake was stimulated by a low-Ca diet by 87% in young rats and by 51% in adult rats. These results demonstrate that there is an age-related decline in Ca and P uptake by the intestinal mucosa. In addition, there is decreased capacity of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 and a low-Ca diet to stimulate intestinal uptake in the adult.

Expression of plasma membrane calcium pump mRNA in rat intestine: effect of age and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

The capacity of the small intestine to actively transport Ca declines markedly with increasing age in the rat. The basal-lateral plasma membrane Ca pump is thought to be an important component of the active transport mechanism. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if there are changes in the expression of the intestinal Ca pump with age, mRNA levels were quantitated by Northern and dot blot analysis using a cDNA probe based on the sequence of the plasma membrane Ca pump expressed in the rat intestine (PMCA1). In the duodenum, Ca pump mRNA levels were 3-4 times higher in young (2 months) rats compared to adult (12 months) and old (27 months) rats. In the ileum, Ca pump mRNA levels were one third those of the duodenum, and ileal levels were higher in young rats compared to adult rats. These changes in mRNA levels with age and segment were significantly correlated with Ca pump activity as measured in basal-lateral membrane vesicles in vitro. To determine intestinal responsiveness to 1,25(OH)2D, rats were fed a strontium diet to induce vitamin D deficiency. In young animals, 1,25(OH)2D significantly increased Ca pump mRNA levels 4-fold in the duodenum. 1,25(OH)2D had a similar effect in the adult duodenum. These studies demonstrate that there are changes in Ca pump mRNA levels with age and intestinal segment. Since there was no change in the capacity of 1,25(OH)2D to increase Ca pump mRNA levels, the decline in Ca pump expression may be due to the age-related decrease in serum 1,25(OH)2D rather than to decrease responsiveness to 1,25(OH)2D.

Energy-dependent Mn2+ and Ca2+ uptake by the embryonic chick chorioallantoic membrane.

The chick chorioallantoic membrane is an epithelial tissue which actively transports large amounts of Ca2+ during embryonic development. In this paper Mn2+ uptake by the tissue was studied and compared to Ca2+ uptake in parallel experiments. The purpose of these experiments was to determine if Mn2+ could be used to gain more information about the Ca2+ transport system. It was found that Mn2+ uptake was reduced significantly under conditions that reduced Ca2+ uptake and that Mn2+, like Ca2+, was taken up preferentially by the ectodermal side of the tissue. Mn2+ uptake showed saturation kinetics with a Km of 0.33 MM. Mn2+ uptake was also competitively inhibited by Ca2+, and Ca2+ uptake inhibited by Mn2+. Electron microprobe studies showed that Mn2+ was localized in the ectoderm of the tissue in the same way as Ca2+. It was concluded from these studies that significant amounts of Mn2+ were accumulated by the active Ca2+ transport mechanism and that Mn2+ could be useful paramagnetic probe of divalent cation transport in this tissue.

An electron paramagnetic resonance study of Mn2+ uptake by the chick chorioallantoic membrane.

Mn2+ uptake in the chick chorioallantoic membrane, an embryonic epithelial tissue which transports Ca2+ in vivo was studied using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Mn2+ was used as a paramagnetic analog for Ca2+, since there is evidence that Mn2+ is accumulated by the Ca2+ transport mechanism. After 1.5 h of uptake the EPR spectrum of the Mn2+ in the membrane indicated that 89% of the Mn2+ was in a spin-exchange form, indicating close packing of Mn2+. The Mn2+ spacing was estimated from the line width to be about 4.7 A. The remaining Mn2+ was very likely Mn2+ hexahydrate. At pH 7.4 the spin-exchange spectrum tended to broaden when uptake was inhibited, while at pH 5.0 the spin-exchange spectrum was completely abolished in the presence of inhibitors. The EPR spectrum of Mn2+ in the chorioallantoic membrane had a broader line width than that of Mn2+ in isolated mitochondria, suggesting that in this tissue mitochondria are not directly involved in divalent cation transport. These EPR studies support the concept that divalent cations are sequestered in high concentrations from the rest of the cell contents during transcellular active transport.

Calcium transport by basal lateral membrane vesicles from rat small intestine decreases with age.

There is a marked decrease in active Ca2+ transport by the rat small intestine with age, particularly between 2 and 12 months. Much evidence suggests that the active component of Ca2+ transport resides in the energy-dependent pumping of Ca2+ across the intestinal basal lateral membrane. Therefore, we have characterized Ca2+ uptake by basal lateral membrane vesicles isolated from young (2-3 month old) and adult (12-14 month old) rats. In vesicles from the proximal duodenum, ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake was about 4-times greater in the young animal than in the adult. There were no age differences in Ca2+ uptake in the absence of ATP. In vesicles from the ileum, Ca2+ uptake was much less than in the duodenum. The age differences in the ileum were smaller, and ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake in the young was only twice that seen in the adult. Osmotic lysis of duodenal vesicles reduced Ca2+ uptake to low levels in both age groups, indicating that most of the Ca2+ was being taken up into an osmotically active space. Kinetic studies of Ca2+ uptake showed that there was no change in the apparent affinity but a 5-fold decrease in the Vmax of the adult Ca2+ transport system compared to that of the young animal. This marked decrease in the capacity of basal lateral membrane vesicles to actively transport Ca2+ may contribute to the decline in intestinal Ca2+ absorption with age.

Age-related alterations in calbindin-D28K induction by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in primary cultures of rat renal tubule cells.

In vivo studies have indicated that renal calbindin-D28K protein and mRNA levels decrease in adult and old rats, and this decrease parallels the age-associated decline in serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] levels. However, diminished renal responsiveness to 1,25-(OH)2D3 with advancing age could also contribute to decreased calbindin-D28K expression. To study renal responsiveness with age, primary cell cultures were established from the kidney cortices of young (1 month old), adult (10-12 months old), and old (20-24 months old) rats. Cells were incubated in medium K-1 containing 2% fetal calf serum. Calbindin-D28K protein levels were determined by Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In young animals, the levels of calbindin-D28K declined from 12.1 +/- 1.3 micrograms/mg protein in the intact kidney to 1.6 +/- 0.07 micrograms/mg protein in cells that had been cultured for 3 days in the absence of 1,25-(OH)2D3. This sharp decline in calbindin-D28K protein concentration moderated by days 6-8. The continuous presence of 10(-7) M 1,25-(OH)2D3 in the medium did not abolish the decline. The low levels of calbindin-D28K in the cells cultured in the absence of 1,25-(OH)2D3 provided an excellent experimental system in which to compare the response of the cells to 1,25-(OH)2D3 between age groups. In cultured cells treated with 1,25-(OH)2D3 for 72 h, calbindin-D28K induction was greater in cells from adult and old animals compared to cells from young animals. The ratios of calbindin-D28K content (with vitamin D/without vitamin D) were 2.2 +/- 0.2, 4.7 +/- 0.5, and 7.1 +/- 1.5 for young, adult, and old cells, respectively. These studies suggested that the observed in vivo decrease in renal calbindin-D28K with age is primarily due to the lowered circulating 1,25-(OH)2D3.

Modulation of renal production of 24,25- and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in young and adult rats by dietary calcium, phosphorus, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of dietary calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and vitamin D3 metabolites on the renal metabolism of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) to either 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] or 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25-(OH)2D3] in the rat. The regulation of 25OHD3 metabolism was studied in both young and adult rats, since previous studies have suggested a change in the renal metabolism of 25OHD3 with age. Renal 25OHD3 metabolism was measured in vitro by incubating renal cortical slices with tritiated 25OHD3 and quantifying tritiated metabolites by high pressure liquid chromatography. The apparent Michaelis constant for the conversion of 25OHD3 to 1,25-(OH)2D3 in this system was 1.16 microM. Experiments were conducted in rats fed a vitamin D-deficient diet containing either 0.02% Ca (low Ca) or 1.20% Ca (high Ca) for 4 weeks. Young rats (4 weeks old) fed the low Ca diet demonstrated a 2.8-fold increase in 1,25-(OH)2D3 production, but no change in 24,25-(OH)2D3 production compared to young rats fed the high Ca diet. Adult rats (12 months old) fed the low Ca diet showed no change in 1,25-(OH)2D3 production, but exhibited a decrease in 24,25-(OH)2D3 production compared to adult rats fed the high Ca diet. Repletion of the young rats fed the low Ca diet with 1,25(OH)2D3 resulted in a marked decrease in 1,25-(OH)2D3 production and an increase in 24,25-(OH)2D3 production. Repletion of the adult rat resulted in no change in 1,25-(OH)2D3 production, but a significant increase in 24,25-(OH)2D3 production. When young rats were fed diets containing various levels of Ca and P, it was found that 1,25-(OH)2D3 production was inversely correlated with plasma Ca over the range 4--13 mg/dl. Since the plasma Ca level of the adult rat was 11-12 mg/dl regardless of diet, this high concentration may explain the lack of 1,25-(OH)2D3 production observed in the adult.

Differential effects of parathyroid hormone on the renal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 production of young and adult rats.

In young rats, PTH markedly stimulates the renal conversion of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3], the biologically active form of vitamin D3. With increasing age, serum 1,25-(OH)2D3 decreases while serum PTH increases. Therefore, the effect of PTH on the renal metabolism of 25OHD3 to 24,25-(OH)2D3 or 1,25-(OH)2D3 was compared in young and adult rats. Rats were housed in the dark and fed a low Ca, vitamin D-deficient diet for 4-6 weeks, and thyroparathyroidectomy was performed. Renal 25OHD3 metabolism was measured in vitro by incubating renal cortical slices with tritiated 25OHD3 and quantifying tritiated metabolites by high pressure liquid chromatography. When young (2 months old) thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX) rats were repleted with PTH by ip injection, 1,25-(OH)2D3 production increased 61%, and 24,25-(OH)2D3 production decreased to 40%. When adult (13 months old) TPTX rats were repleted with PTH, there was no increase in 1,25-(OH)2D3, but 24,25-(OH)2D3 production decreased to 43%. When PTH was added in vitro by incubating renal slices from young TPTX rats for 4 h, 1,25-(OH)2D3 production increased 68%, and 24,25-(OH)2D3 production decreased to 71%. In slices from adult rats, 24,25-(OH)2D3 production was decreased significantly to 71%, and 1,25-(OH)2D3 production was unaffected by PTH. The PTH-stimulated increase in the cAMP content of renal slices from adult rats was 75% that of slices from young rats. These studies demonstrate that PTH modulates renal 24,25-(OH)2D3 production in the adult. However, PTH does not modulate renal 1,25-(OH)2D3 production in the adult under the same conditions that produce a PTH effect in the young animal.

Conversion of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in renal slices from the rat.

Isolated renal cortical slices were used to study the conversion of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25](OH2)D3] by the rat kidney. Production of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and 24,25-(OH)2D3 was linear with time (30-90 min) and tissue weight (40-250 mg). Production of 1,25-(OH)2D3 was greatest (134 +/- 17 pg/mg tissue.h) in animals fed a low calcium, vitamin D-deficient diet. The greatest 24,25-(OH)2D3 production (106 +/- 17 pg/mg tissue.h) was seen in animals fed a high calcium, vitamin D-replete diet, 1,25-(OH)2D3 production was reduced to 23% of maximum by the addition of 1.2% calcium or 0.8% strontium to the vitamin D-deficient, low calcium diet. Production of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and 24,25-(OH)2D3 was greatly reduced in renal cortical slices that had been heated before incubation. Slices of renal medulla produced only small amounts of 1,25-(OH)2D3 compared to slices of renal cortex. These studies provide direct evidence for the production of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and 24,25-(OH)2D3 by the mammalian renal cortex. They also demonstrate that this production may be modulated by dietary calcium, strontium, and vitamin D.

Effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and phorbol ester on 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 24-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 messenger ribonucleic acid levels in primary cultures of rat renal cells.

The renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 24-hydroxylase enzyme, which may be the starting point in the catabolic pathway for vitamin D metabolism, is markedly induced by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3], the hormonal form of vitamin D. The purpose of this study was to investigate the regulation of the cytochrome P450 component of this enzyme (P450cc24) by 1,25-(OH)2D3 and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA). P450cc24 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were measured using the full-length rat complementary DNA probe (p108). In primary cultures of rat renal tubular cells, 1,25-(OH)2D3 produced a 26-fold increase in P450cc24 mRNA which was detectable at 4 h, maximal at 24 h, and returned almost to baseline by 48 h. The induction was inhibited by actinomycin D, 5,6-dichloro-1-b-D-ribofuranosyl benzimidazole (DRB), and cycloheximide, and it was specific for vitamin D compounds containing a 1-hydroxyl group. TPA alone had no effect, but TPA in the presence of 1,25-(OH)2D3 produced an increase in P450cc24 mRNA within 30 min, and this increase peaked at 2 h. TPA also shifted the dose-response curve of 1,25-(OH)2D3 to the left, so that 1,25-(OH)2D3 was effective at a concentration as low as 1 nM. In the same experiments, TPA increased c-fos mRNA levels, and this increase was accelerated by 1,25-(OH)2D3. These studies suggest that the induction of P450cc24 mRNA by 1,25-(OH)2D3 is a receptor-mediated genomic event and that this induction may account for the stimulation of 24-hydroxylase enzyme activity by 1,25-(OH)2D3. In addition, TPA accelerates the effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 by a mechanism which may involve protein kinase C.

Forskolin increases 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 production by rat renal slices in vitro.

Renal production of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] from 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) is increased by PTH. The complete mechanism by which PTH modulates renal 25OHD3 metabolism is not known, but there is some evidence that the stimulation of renal cAMP production by PTH may be important. Therefore, we have used forskolin, a direct activator of adenylate cyclase in the intact tissue, to further investigate the role of cAMP in regulating renal 25OHD3 metabolism. The effect of forskolin on renal 25OHD3 metabolism and renal adenylate cyclase activity was measured using isolated renal slices from thyroparathyroidectomized rats previously fed a vitamin D-deficient, low calcium diet. Forskolin added to renal slices in vitro for 4 h increased renal 1,25-(OH)2-D3 production in a concentration-dependent manner. In separate experiments, forskolin was found to increase tissue cAMP in a concentration-dependent manner when added for 5 min. The concentration of forskolin necessary for half-maximal stimulation of adenylate cyclase was 10 microM, and that needed for half-maximal stimulation of 1,25-(OH)2-D3 production was 1 microM. PTH added to renal slices also increased renal 1,25-(OH)2-D3 production, but the effects of PTH and forskolin were not additive. Inclusion of 1,25-(OH)2-D3 in the incubation medium blocked the effect of forskolin on 1,25-(OH)2-D3 production, but it did not block the effect of forskolin on tissue cAMP content. These studies support the concept that forskolin and PTH modulate renal 25OHD3 metabolism though a cAMP-dependent pathway. However, this pathway may be further regulated at sites distal to cAMP production by compounds such as 1,25-(OH)2-D3.

Expression of calbindin-D decreases with age in intestine and kidney.

The calbindins are Ca-binding proteins whose expression is regulated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, the active metabolite of vitamin D3. The calbindins are found in high amounts in the proximal intestine (calbindin-D-9k) and the kidney (calbindin-D-28k), and they are thought to play a role in Ca transport by these tissues. Ca absorption by the intestine and perhaps the kidney declines with age, and this could be due to decreased expression of calbindin. Therefore, the expression of calbindins-D-9k and -D-28k was measured in F344 rats aged 2, 6, 13, and 24 months. mRNA levels were measured by dot blot hybridization to synthetic cDNA oligonucleotide probes, and protein levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using specific antisera. Intestinal calbindin-D-9k mRNA decreased markedly between 2 and 6 months of age, but it then increased significantly between 13 and 24 months. Calbindin-D-9k protein paralleled the decrease in mRNA between 2 and 6 months, but continued to decline at 13 and 24 months despite the rise in mRNA. In the kidney, calbindin-D-28k mRNA declined between 2 and 13 months and then plateaued. Calbindin-D-28k protein followed a similar pattern. In the same studies expression of calmodulin by the intestine and kidney did not change with age. Plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D3 correlated well with the expression of calbindin-D-9k in the intestine at 2 and 6 months of age and with the expression of calbindin-D-28k in the kidney at all ages. Decreased expression of calbindin-D with age may contribute to the age-related decrease in Ca transport in intestine and kidney.

Induction of the vitamin D 24-hydroxylase (CYP24) by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 is regulated by parathyroid hormone in UMR106 osteoblastic cells.

The expression of the vitamin D 24-hydroxylase is highly regulated in target tissues for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D), where it may modulate the action of 1,25(OH)2D. In UMR106 osteoblastic cells, 1,25(OH)2D and PTH synergistically induce 24-hydroxylase expression. The purpose of these studies was to characterize the interaction between 1,25(OH)2D and PTH with regard to the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of the cytochrome P450 component of the 24-hydroxylase (CYP24). PTH alone had no effect on CYP24 mRNA levels, and 1,25(OH)2D alone produced only a modest increase. However, 1,25(OH)2D and PTH together synergistically increased CYP24 mRNA levels 3-fold compared with 1,25(OH)2D alone. PTH also increased the sensitivity of UMR cells to 1,25(OH)2D from 10(-8) to 10(-10) M. PTH worked through the cAMP signaling pathway as evidenced by the lack of effect of PTH (3-34) and by the full activity of 8-bromo-cAMP. PTH in the presence of 1,25(OH)2D increased CYP24 gene transcription as shown by nuclear run-on studies and by activation of a CYP24 promoter-reporter construct after transfection. PTH also increased vitamin D receptor number in UMR cells, but this occurred at times later than the increase in transcription. These studies demonstrate that PTH in the presence of 1,25(OH)2D works through the cAMP-dependent signaling pathway to increase transcription of the CYP24 gene, to increase CYP24 protein levels, and to increase 24-hydroxylase activity.

Age differences in ethanol-induced hypothermia and impairment in mice.

This experiment examined the effects of ethanol on body temperature and ethanol-induced impairment among three different age groups (8 months, 18 months, and 28 months) of C57BL/6NNIA male mice. Mice were injected intraperitoneally with 3 g/kg ethanol or an equivalent volume of saline. Body temperature, blood ethanol levels, and time when the righting response (RR) was lost and regained were measured. Body temperature also was measured prior to injection and at 30 and 120 min post-injection The aged mice showed less ethanol-induced hypothermia but were impaired longer as compared to the younger mice. Blood ethanol levels at loss and regaining of the RR were lower for old mice than the younger mice. Body temperature for the youngest group was lower at each time of measurement as compared to the older groups. Age differences in body temperature prior to ethanol or saline injection were small and nonsignificant.

Expression of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 24-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 in kidney and intestine. Effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and age.

To study the mechanism of hormonal regulation of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D 24-hydroxylase, a DNA probe complementary to the published sequence of the recently cloned P450 component [(1991) FEBS Lett. 278, 195] was employed. Young (2 month) and adult (12 month) F344 rats, deficient in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, were given a single dose of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. In young rats, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D markedly increased P450 mRNA levels within 3 h in both kidney and intestine, and maximal levels were attained at 16 and 3 h, respectively. In adult animals, maximal induction of mRNA was diminished in the kidney, and the decline was slower in the intestine. Time of maximal induction did not change with age. These studies demonstrate for the first time regulation of the 24-hydroxylase enzyme by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D at the level of the mRNA for the cytochrome P450. They also demonstrate that this regulation may change with age.

Insulin markedly potentiates the capacity of parathyroid hormone to increase expression of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase in rat osteoblastic cells in the presence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

We have previously shown that insulin alters the renal metabolism of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. To examine the effect of insulin on vitamin D metabolism in bone, we have used UMR-106 osteoblast-like cells to study the regulation of 25(OH)D3-24-hydroxylase (24-hydroxylase) expression by insulin. The 24-hydroxylase is an important enzyme in degrading 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D) in target tissues. Insulin alone had no effect on mRNA levels of the cytochrome P450 component (CYP24) of the 24-hydroxylase or on 24-hydroxylase activity itself in UMR cells. However, insulin increased the capacity of parathyroid hormone (PTH) to elevate CYP24 mRNA levels by 3-4-fold and to increase 24-hydroxylase activity by 2-fold in the presence of 1,25(OH)2D. Insulin increased the maximal responsiveness of UMR cells to PTH without altering their sensitivity. The action of insulin required the presence of 1,25(OH)2D and was partly dependent on new protein synthesis. Insulin-like growth factor 1 also potentiated the effects of PTH. This marked stimulation of the 24-hydroxylase by PTH and insulin may serve to regulate 1,25(OH)2D action and/or to produce 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in bone cells.