CaBP Levels Research Articles

Overexpression of calbindin D(28k) in dentate gyrus granule cells alters mossy fiber presynaptic function and impairs hippocampal-dependent memory.

Calcium is a key signaling ion for induction of synaptic plasticity processes that are believed to influence cognition. Mechanisms regulating activity-induced increases in neuronal calcium and related synaptic modifications are not fully understood. Moreover, involvement of specific synapses in discrete aspects of spatial learning remains to be elucidated. We used herpes simplex amplicons to overexpress calbindin D(28k) (CaBP) selectively in dentate gyrus (DG) granule cells. We then examined the effects on hippocampal network activity by recording evoked synaptic responses in vivo and in vitro and analyzing hippocampal-dependent behavior. Relative to Lac-Z- and sham-infected controls, CaBP overexpression increased mossy fiber (MF-CA3) excitatory postsynaptic potentials and reduced paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), suggesting an increase in presynaptic strength. Additionally, CaBP overexpression reduced long-term potentiation (LTP), caused a frequency-dependent inhibition of post-tetanic potentiation (PTP), and impaired spatial navigation. Thus, increasing CaBP levels selectively in the DG disrupts MF-CA3 presynaptic function and impairs spatial cognition. The results demonstrate the power of gene delivery in the study of the neural substrates of learning and memory and suggest that mossy fiber synaptic plasticity is critical for long-term spatial memory.

Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) Knockout Mice Reveal VDR-Independent Regulation of Intestinal Calcium Absorption and ECaC2 and Calbindin D9k mRNA

To study the role of calbindin D(9k) (CaBP) and epithelial calcium channel ECaC2 in intestinal calcium (Ca) absorption, vitamin D receptor knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed either 0.5% Ca or a 2.0% Ca rescue diet starting at 21 d of age. Ca absorption and parameters involved in this process were measured at 60 or 90 d of age. Compared with WT, KO mice fed the 0.5% Ca diet had higher plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)], and lower plasma Ca and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). Duodenal Ca absorption (% Ca absorbed) in KO mice was reduced 71% relative to WT mice and was associated with 55% lower CaBP mRNA, 47% lower CaBP protein and 95% lower ECaC2 mRNA levels. Compared with WT mice, the percentage of Ca absorbed in KO mice fed the 0.5% Ca diet was inappropriately low for the level of duodenal CaBP. The 2% Ca rescue diet normalized plasma Ca, prevented osteomalacia, increased growth and plasma IGF-I levels, but did not normalize plasma PTH or 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) in KO mice. In addition, the relationship between CaBP protein and the percentage of Ca absorbed was normalized, whereas ECaC2 mRNA fell to near zero. Our data demonstrate that higher CaBP levels do not ensure high rates of duodenal Ca absorption and that transcellular Ca absorption can occur even when ECaC2 gene expression is very low. In addition, our data suggest that the 2% Ca diet promotes a vitamin D receptor-independent anabolic effect on bone formation and calcium absorption, leading to improved calcium balance even in the presence of high PTH levels.

Dietary short-chain fructooligosaccharides increase calbindin-D9k levels only in the large intestine in rats independent of dietary calcium deficiency or serum 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D levels.

Dietary short-chain fructooligosaccharides (Sc-FOS) increase mucosal calbindin-D9k (CaBP) levels in the large intestine whereas levels in the small intestine are decreased in rats. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism by which Sc-FOS induce this increase in CaBP in the large intestine by measuring intestinal CaBP levels in rats fed normal and calcium-deficient diets. Dietary groups included a calcium-containing (0.5%) diet with or without Sc-FOS (100 g/kg diet) and a calcium-deficient (abt. 0.01%) diet with or without Sc-FOS (100 g/kg diet). The rats were fed these diets for 10 days following which they were killed and the intestine removed for collection of the entire mucosa which was divided into four segments, i.e., proximal and distal segments of the small intestine, the cecum and the colorectum. Mucosal CaBP and plasma calcium (Ca), 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH)2D3), 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin levels were measured. Feeding of calcium deficient diet resulted in an increase in CaBP levels in the small intestine, but did not influence levels in the large intestine. Moreover, a significant positive correlation between plasma 1,25(OH)2D3 and CaBP levels in the case of both small intestinal segments (proximal, r = 0.77012, p < 0.00007; distal, r = 0.75056, p < 0.00014) was observed, but not in the case of the large intestinal segments. Sc-FOS increased CaBP levels in the large intestine. These results suggest that the large intestinal CaBP levels do not change in response to dietary calcium conditions and are not regulated by circulating 1,25(OH)2D3 indicating that the effect of Sc-FOS on CaBP levels in the large intestine is independent of the action of 1,25(OH)2D3.

Dietary Fructooligosaccharides Increase Calcium Absorption and Levels of Mucosal Calbindin-D9k in the Large Intestine of Gastrectomized Rats

Background: In gastrectomized rats intestinal calcium absorption and bone calcium levels markedly decrease and the levels recover as a result of feeding fructooligosaccharides (FOS). In the present study we examined the effects of gastrectomy and dietary FOS on intestinal calbindin-D9k (CaBP) levels. Methods: One group of rats was subjected to a sham operation and fed a control diet. Two other groups of rats were gastrectomized, and those in one group were fed the control diet, whereas those in the other group were fed a diet containing 10% FOS. Intestinal calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus absorption levels and intestinal CaBP levels were measured. Results: Gastrectomy increased CaBP levels in the distal small intestine, cecum, and colorectum but markedly decreased calcium absorption. Dietary FOS increased CaBP levels in the cecum and colorectum in the case of gastrectomized rats and improved calcium absorption. Conclusions: The results suggest that dietary FOS not only improve intestinal calcium absorption but also serve to maintain local calcium homeostasis in the intestine by increasing mucosal CaBP levels in the large intestine of gastrectomized rats.

Quantitative measurement of neuronal calbindin-D28k by radioimmunocytochemistry.

The calcium-binding protein calbindin-D28k (CaBP) has been localized in high concentration in several neuronal populations within the CNS and is believed to act as an intracellular calcium buffer. There has been much interest and speculation concerning its potential neuroprotective function. A radioimmunocytochemistry (RIC) technique for the cellular quantitation of protein has been applied to quantitative measurement of neuronal CaBP in vivo and in vitro. The method permits cellular comparison of CaBP content within tissue sections or cells in culture. Through the use of specific primary antibody, 35S-labeled secondary antibody, and photographic emulsion, RIC combines the simplicity of standard immunocytochemical procedures with the sophistication and power of in situ hybridization, autoradiography, and image analysis. CaBP levels are expressed as mean +/- S.E.M. silver grains/cell. CaBP content has been measured and compared in mouse cerebellar Purkinje cells (56.5 +/- 6.9 grains/cell), granule cells of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (10.3 +/- 2.1 grains/cell), midline ventral tegmental neurons (11.6 +/- 2.9 grains/cell), and human SH-SY-5Y neuroblastoma cells in culture (5.1 +/- 0.9 grains/cell). As measured by RIC, mouse cerebellar Purkinje cells contain approximately 5-fold more CaBP than granule cells of the hippocampal dentate gyrus/midline ventral tegmental neurons and 10-fold more CaBP than cultured human SH-SY-5Y neuroblastoma cells. Assay reproducibility was demonstrated by comparison of adjacent sections which yielded a 3-9% intra-assay variability. Results were validated and confirmed by comparison to previous radioimmunoassay studies which indicated similar ratios of CaBP levels between brain regions/cell types.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

1,25(OH)2D3‐dependent regulation of calbindin‐D28k mRNA requires ongoing protein synthesis in chick duodenal organ culture

Organ culture of 19-day-old chick embryo duodena was utilized to evaluate the mechanism of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3)-dependent calbindin-D28k (CaBP) expression. Duodenal CaBP and 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor (VDR) expression were assessed by Western blot analysis, while CaBP and VDR mRNA levels were determined by Northern blot analysis. In untreated duodena, both VDR protein and mRNA were present, while CaBP protein and mRNA were undetectable. Treatment of cultured duodena with 25 nM 1,25(OH)2D3 resulted in detectable CaBP mRNA after 4 h which continued to increase during a 24 h time period. Under these conditions, localization of [3H-1 beta]1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 in duodenal chromatin is rapid (< or = 30 min). Thus, the delayed accumulation of detectable CaBP mRNA cannot be explained by slow nuclear binding of 1,25(OH)2D3. The inclusion of 1.6 microM actinomycin D in the organ culture partially inhibited the 1,25(OH)2D3-regulated increase in CaBP mRNA, which implies that there is a transcriptional component involved in the increased CaBP mRNA levels. Similarly, quantitative polymerase chain reaction studies allowed the detection of CaBP pre-mRNA and mRNA sequences 1 h after hormone treatment, suggesting that CaBP gene transcription is initiated rapidly. Treatment of cultures with 36 microM cycloheximide 1 h prior to 1,25(OH)2D3 addition resulted in superinduction of VDR mRNA levels but sharply reduced CaBP steady-state mRNA levels. This dramatic reduction in CaBP mRNA reveals that 1,25(OH)2D3-mediated CaBP expression is dependent on ongoing protein synthesis. Thus, we propose that a labile auxiliary protein or other cofactor, which may or may not be 1,25(OH)2D3-dependent, is necessary for 1,25(OH)2D3-mediated CaBP gene transcription in chick duodena.

Modulation of the excitability of avian peripheral nerves by vitamin D: relation to calbindin-D 28k, calcium status and lipid composition

Calbindin-D 28k (CaBP), previously localized in some of the cell bodies of ganglia of the avian intestinal (Remak's) nerve, was shown to be vitamin D-dependent. In the present studies, the effect of vitamin D 3 on electrophysiological properties of this nerve was examined in vitro. Electrical stimulation of the nerve yielded a compound action potential with two primary components, Peaks I and II. Peak II, suppressed by hexamethonlum bromide or Ca 2+-free buffer, is synaptically mediated. The transit time between the two peaks was unaffected by vitamin D 3. The apparent conduction velocity, defined as [(activation time + transit time)/nerve length], was increased by vitamin D-deficlency and decreased by vitamin D 3 repietion, the latter decrease due entirely to an increase in activation time. Activation time after vitamin D-repletion was correlated with an increase in CaBP and plasma Ca 2+ levels. However, normalization of plasma Ca 2+ by supplementation of vitamin D-deficlent diets with excess calcium (2.5 and 4.0%) also resulted in an increase in activation time, without affecting neuronal CaBP levels. Vitamin D 3 also decreased the conduction velocity and increased CaBP of the vagus nerve and, by lipid analysis, was shown to increase and decrease its phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine content, respectively, and to decrease its phospholipid/cholesterol ratio. Modulation of peripheral nerve activity by vitamin D 3 is related to calcium status and perhaps to changes in lipid composition. The functional role of CaBP in the behaviour of this complex nerve remains unknown.

Immunochemical studies on the cercarial-specific calcium binding protein of Schistosoma mansoni.

Stage-specific expression of the mRNA encoding the cercarial-specific 8 kDa CaBP has been described previously. To gain information on possible function(s) of this protein we raised antibodies to the CaBP in rabbits immunized with a CaBP-TrpE fusion protein synthesized in bacteria. Western blots showed high levels of CaBP in cercariae and 3 h schistosomula, trace amounts in 24 h schistosomula, and none in miracidia sporocyst and adult worm, as found for the mRNA. The CaBP molecule has a short half-life (< or = 4 h) similar to that of the mRNA. Other experiments demonstrate that the CaBP may interact with a putative target molecule in a calcium-dependent manner to form a complex of 45 kDa. Immunogold electron microscopy showed CaBP in selected regions of cercariae and 3 h schistosomula: tegument, head gland, subtegumental cells, flame cells, intestinal wall and the body-tail junction. Other investigators have shown that the head gland and subtegumental cells synthesize and translocate granules to the tegument during transformation from cercariae (living freely in water) to schistosomula (residing in vertebrate host). These observations and the time-course of CaBP detection suggest that the CaBP synthesized in the head gland and subtegumental cells is translocated to the tegument where it plays a role in tegument modifications required for adaptation to parasite life in the host. CaBP was not found in muscles and mitochondria, suggesting that it is not involved in the rapid motility and aerobic metabolism characteristic of cercariae.

Cerebrospinal fluid 28-kDa calbindin-D as a possible marker for Purkinje cell damage

To examine the clinical value of 28-kDa calbindin-D (CaBP) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a marker for the damage to Purkinje cells, we measured CSF CaBP levels using an enzyme immunoassay method in 107 patients with cerebellar and other neurological diseases, and 26 controls. The mean CaBP level was markedly elevated in patients with cerebellar diseases, and the elevation of CaBP level was more frequent in the diseases involving Purkinje cells, such as multiple system atrophy (MSA) and subacute cerebellar degeneration in association with lung cancer. Further, in MSA patients, the CaBP levels decreased with duration of illness. The mean levels of CaBP were also elevated in some of the other diseases. We conclude that the elevations of CaBP levels are not specific for cerebellar diseases, but CSF CaBP may be a useful marker for examining the Purkinje cell involvement in cerebellar diseases.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3-mediated vesicular transport of calcium in intestine: time-course studies.

Previous work has biochemically identified lysosomes containing calcium and calbindin-D28K (CaBP) in chick intestine that are sensitive to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] status. In the present work, lysosomal accumulation of 45Ca was optimal after 30 min of absorption from in situ ligated duodenal loops. The areas under the curves, defined as lysosomal fractions in Percoll gradients, were calculated, and values after 10, 20, 30, and 40 min of transport were (+D/-D ratio) 0.90, 1.62, 1.88, and 1.78, respectively. Lysosomal CaBP also increased in parallel with the time of absorption and was not due to nonspecific adsorption. When lysosomal 45Ca was determined 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 43 h after administration of 1.3 nmol 1,25-(OH)2D3 or vehicle, the area ratios were 1.02, 1.47, 3.10, 1.88, and 1.29, respectively. Analyses of serum 45Ca in the same birds yielded a closely parallel time course with 1,25-(OH)2D3-dependent intestinal calcium absorption; values were 108 +/- 12% (+/- SE), 164 +/- 29%, 300 +/- 35%, 340 +/- 39%, and 169 +/- 8% of vitamin D-deficient control values at 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 43 h, respectively. Immunoreactive CaBP in lysosomal fractions did not change significantly between 5-43 h after administration of seco-steroid. A similar series of experiments was conducted with microsomal membranes containing putative endocytic vesicles, which are believed to deliver calcium to the lysosomes. The brush border origin of the vesicles was supported by the internalization of anti-CaBP immunoglobulin G after 3 min of absorption. Accumulation of 45Ca by endocytic vesicles was subsequently found to be maximal after 20 min of absorption (+D/-D = 1.48), declining again at 30 min (+D/-D = 1.16), while CaBP levels in the same fractions remained unchanged between 0-30 min of absorption. These data together with the lower 45Ca specific activity in pinocytic vesicles relative to lysosomes suggest that lysosomes fuse with several endocytic vesicles in the interval of 20-30 min of absorption. Time-course studies with endocytic vesicles indicated that 1,25-(OH)2D3 stimulated uptake more rapidly than transport; 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 43 h after seco-steroid administration, +D/-D ratios were 1.32, 1.87, 2.05, 1.72, and 1.36, respectively. CaBP levels in the same vesicle fractions did not correlate well with relative 45Ca content.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

1,25(OH)2D3 and Ca-binding protein in fetal rats: relationship to the maternal vitamin D status.

The autonomy and functional role of fetal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] were investigated in nondiabetic and diabetic BB rats fed diets containing 0.85% calcium-0.7% phosphorus or 0.2% calcium and phosphorus and in semistarved rats on the low calcium-phosphorus diet. The changes in maternal and fetal plasma 1,25(OH)2D3 were similar: the levels were increased by calcium-phosphorus restriction and decreased by diabetes and semistarvation. Maternal and fetal 1,25(OH)2D3 levels were correlated (r = 0.80; P less than 0.001). The vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding proteins (CaBP9K and CaBP28K) were measured in multiple maternal and fetal tissues and in the placenta of nondiabetic, diabetic, and calcium-phosphorus-restricted rats. The distributions of CaBP9K and CaBP28K in the pregnant rat were similar to that of the growing rat. The increased maternal plasma 1,25(OH)2D3 levels in calcium-phosphorus-restricted rats were associated with higher duodenal CaBP9K and renal CaBPs, but placental CaBP9K was not different. In diabetic pregnant rats, duodenal CaBP9K tended to be lower, while renal CaBPs were normal; placental CaBP9K was decreased. No significant changes in CaBP levels were observed in fetuses of low calcium-phosphorus diet rats or fetuses of diabetic rats. The results indicate that in the rat fetal 1,25(OH)2D3 depends on maternal 1,25(OH)2D3 or on factors regulating maternal 1,25(OH)2D3. The lack of changes in fetal CaBP in the presence of altered fetal plasma 1,25(OH)2D3 levels confirms earlier data showing that 1,25(OH)2D3 has a limited hormonal function during perinatal development in the rat.

Expression of calbindin-D28K mRNA as a function of altered serum calcium and phosphorus levels in vitamin D-replete chick intestine.

The availability of specific cDNA probes to the chick intestinal calbindin-D28K (CaBP) mRNA has allowed us to assess the regulation of this mRNA in response to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) administration. It has previously been demonstrated that dietary calcium and phosphorus can effect alterations in the steady-state intestinal levels of chick CaBP. We have examined whether or not perturbations in dietary calcium and phosphorus have an effect on the expression of the intestinal mRNA coding for CaBP in the vitamin D-replete chick. We found altered protein levels of CaBP as expected; however there was surprisingly no difference in steady-state CaBP mRNA levels between the different dietary groups. These data suggest that calcium and phosphorus regulation of CaBP occurs at a post-transcriptional level. In addition, we have examined what effect dietary manipulations of calcium and phosphorus levels have on the response of the vitamin D-replete intestine to 1,25(OH)2D3 administration as assessed by CaBP mRNA changes. Administration of 1,25(OH)2D3 to vitamin D-replete chicks maintained on normal calcium and phosphorus levels resulted in a less than 2-fold increase in CaBP mRNA levels. Previous studies have demonstrated that receptor occupancy goes up 6-fold under these conditions; therefore there is apparently a very tight regulation of CaBP gene activity. 1,25(OH)2D3 administration to chicks raised on either low calcium, high calcium, or low phosphorus vitamin D-replete diets similarly showed only small changes in the intestinal CaBP mRNA levels; however there seemed to be qualitative differences in response attributable to the dietary alterations.

Effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on plasma concentrations of calcium-binding protein in normal and rachitic (vitamin D-dependent rickets type I) pigs.

An i.v. injection of calcitriol (1,25-(OH)2D3) had no effect within 2.5 h on plasma concentrations of calbindin-D9K (vitamin D-induced calcium-binding protein; CaBP) in hypocalcaemic pigs with inherited vitamin D-dependent rickets type I or in their normocalcaemic siblings or half-siblings. Three days later the plasma concentration of CaBP had doubled in the hypocalcaemic pigs, but was unaltered in the normocalcaemic siblings and half-siblings. Following daily i.v. injections of 1,25-(OH)2D3 for a further 5 days (days 4-8) plasma concentrations of CaBP increased in both the hypocalcaemic (days 4-8) and normocalcaemic (day 8) pigs, the effect being more rapid and greater in the hypocalcaemic 1,25-(OH)2D3-deficient animals. An i.v. injection of 1,25-(OH)2D3 to pure Yucatan pigs also had no effect on plasma concentrations of CaBP within 1.5 h, but in the following 1 h there was some indication of an increase in plasma CaBP levels. In contrast to the normal pigs, insulin-induced hypoglycaemia did not lead to a peak in plasma CaBP concentrations in the hypocalcaemic pigs. There was also no change in the plasma concentrations of 1,25-(OH)2D3 associated with the peak in plasma CaBP following insulin-induced hypoglycaemia in normocalcaemic pigs. These results suggest that changes in plasma concentrations of 1,25-(OH)2D3 are not directly involved in mediating the increase in plasma CaBP which follows hypoglycaemia induced by insulin in normal pigs, although 1,25-(OH)2D3 probably plays a permissive role.

A quantitative immunobinding assay for vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein (calbindin-D 28k) using nitrocellulose filters

A sensitive dot immunobinding assay has been developed for the quantitative determination of vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein (calbindin-D 28k; CaBP) in rat and human kidney and brain. Protein samples are spotted onto nitrocellulose sheets, fixed, and then rinsed with Tris-buffered saline. The remaining protein binding sites are blocked with bovine serum albumin, gelatin, or nonfat dry milk protein and the filters are then incubated sequentially with antiserum to calbindin-D 28k (1:500 dilution) and 125I-protein A (200,000 cpm/ml). After washing, the radioactivity bound to each sample is quantitated by counting in a gamma counter. The sensitivity of the assay is such that 10 ng calbindin-D 28k can be accurately quantitated. The highest levels of CaBP were detected in kidney (7.8 ± 0.5 μg/mg protein) and cerebellum (22.1 ± 1.4 μg/mg protein). Ten micrograms calmodulin, lactalbumin, or parvalbumin and 100 μg liver extract showed no reactivity in the assay. The assay is precise (intraassay variability, 4.0%) and reproducible (interassay variability, 8.8%). There was good agreement between the data in this assay and the data we obtained using radioimmunoassay (RIA). The assay has several advantages over the RIA. Iodination of pure antigen is not required and it is possible to detect membrane-bound and insoluble antigens using this assay. Also, the antiserum and 125I-protein A solutions can be saved and reused. This assay represents a major modification of the original immunobinding assays which used the less sensitive peroxidase stain. It is also an improvement over previous 125I immunobinding assays which were not quantitative but were used as antigen “spot tests” or which required iodination of the antibody.

Distribution of Calbindin-D 28K (CaBP) in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the epileptic (E1) mouse

The distribution of Calbindin-D 28 k (CaBP), a calcium-binding protein that binds Ca 2+ with high affinity, was measured by radioimmunoassay in various cortical regions of the epileptic strain of mice E1. The El strain, in which seizures are induced by repeated vestibular stimulation, had significantly lower levels of CaBP in the hippocampus and dorsal occipital cortical areas than the control CF-1 strain. Following induction of seizures in the E1 strain, a further decrease in CaBP levels was observed in the hippocampal formation and ventral temporal cortical regions, areas where paroxysmal activity is generated in this strain. Considering the role of CaBP as an intraneuronal calcium buffer, the present findings indicate that neuronal calcium regulation is genetically altered in the E1 strain and is further disturbed during the events that lead to induction of seizures.

In vivo effects of transcriptional and translational inhibitors on duodenal vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein messenger ribonucleic acid stimulation by 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol.

The in vivo stimulation of vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein (9 K CaBP) synthesis by 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)2D3] in the rat duodenum has been analyzed using a specific [32P]complementary DNA probe for rat 9 K CaBP and inhibitors of RNA transcription (actinomycin D, alpha-amanitin) or protein synthesis (cycloheximide). The relative amounts of 9 K CaBP messenger RNA (mRNA) were assayed by dot-blot hybridization and the relative amounts of 9 K CaBP by RIA. Both inhibitors were injected at doses which significantly inhibited by 80-95% [35S]methionine or [3H]uridine incorporation into protein and RNA, respectively. In vitamin D-deficient rats, a single 1,25(OH)2D3 injection (650 pmol/100 g BW) resulted in a rapid production of 9 K CaBP mRNA which was significantly detectable as early as 3 h, and was followed by an increase of 9 K CaBP levels. Injection of actinomycin D (25 micrograms/100 g BW) 1 h before 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment and repeated every 4 h did not prevent the hormone-induced elevation of duodenal CaBP mRNA, even when the actinomycin dose was doubled and given 2 h before hormonal treatment. alpha-Amanitin (2 micrograms/100 g BW) also failed to block the hormonal stimulation. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (25 micrograms/100 g BW) did not cause any change in the 1,25(OH)2D3-induced CaBP mRNA but blocked the CaBP increase after hormone injection. Thus, transcription inhibitors did not prevent the in vivo hormone-induced elevation of 9 K CaBP mRNA, which suggests that 1,25(OH)2D3 increases 9 K CaBP synthesis by increasing 9 K CaBP gene expression at one or more posttranscriptional steps. More precise data will be obtained by measuring the rate of 9 K CaBP gene transcription on isolated nuclei from rat duodenum.

Effects of alpha-amanitin and cycloheximide on 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-dependent calbindin-D28K and its mRNA in vitamin D3-replete chick intestine.

We have examined the effects of the transcriptional inhibitor alpha-amanitin and the translational inhibitor cycloheximide on levels of calbindin-D28K (28-kDa calcium binding protein, CaBP) and CaBP-mRNA in the vitamin D-replete chick intestine. Chicks were raised on one of four diets: "normal" (1% calcium, 0.6% phosphorus); high calcium (3.3% calcium, 0.5% phosphorus); low calcium (0.3% calcium, 0.6% phosphorus); or low phosphorus (1% calcium, 0.09% phosphorus). Chicks were then treated either with alpha-amanitin (20 micrograms/chick) or cycloheximide (600 micrograms/chick) 2 h prior to a dose of 6.5 nmol of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Duodenal mucosa was collected from 0 to 120 min afterward and assayed for CaBP-mRNA by dot blot hybridization and for CaBP using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In the absence of inhibitor, CaBP levels were depressed by high calcium and elevated by low calcium or low phosphorus, as expected. These changes occurred, however, without a change in CaBP-mRNA levels. alpha-Amanitin had no effect on CaBP or on CaBP-mRNA levels in chicks raised on any of the diets. Cycloheximide inhibited CaBP levels, and surprisingly also inhibited CaBP-mRNA levels in all four dietary groups. These results indicate that continual protein synthesis is necessary for the expression of CaBP-mRNA, suggesting the existence of a rapidly turned over protein that may be required for stabilization or for processing of the chick intestinal CaBP messenger RNA.

Effects of suppression of eggshell calcification and of 1,25(OH) 2D 3 on Mg 2+, Ca 2+ and Mg 2+HCO 3− ATPase, alkaline phosphatase, carbonic anhydrase and CaBP levels—II. The laying hen intestine

1. 1. Activity of a HCO 3 − stimulated Mg 2+ dependent ATPase is demonstrated in mitochondrial fractions of the avian duodenum. 2. 2. Suppression of eggshell calcification resulted in a slight reduction in Mg 2+, Ca 2+ and Mg 2+HCO 3 − ATPase activities. 3. 3. Duodenal carbonic anhydrase activity was lower in birds laying soft-shelled eggs than in birds laying normal eggs. 4. 4. Alkaline phsophatase and calcium binding protein levels both decreased along the length of the small intestine, but the effect was more pronounced for alkaline phosphatase. 5. 5. Suppression of eggshell calcification and treatment of shell-less laying hens with 1,25(OH) 2D 3 influenced alkaline phosphatase activity only in the duodenal mucosa. 6. 6. Suppression of eggshell calcification reduced CaBP levels in all sections of the intestine. Treatment with 1,25(OH) 2D 3 restored CaBP levels. Regulation of intestinal CaBP levels by 1,25(OH) 2D 3 would therefore seem to be controlled more directly by calcium requirements associated with eggshell calcification than by gonadal hormones.

Effects of suppression of eggshell calcification and of 1,25(OH) 2D 3 on Mg 2+ Ca 2+ and Mg 2+HCO 3- ATPase, alkaline phosphatase, carbonic anhydrase and CaBP levels—i. the laying hen uterus

1. 1. Stimulation of Mg 2+, Ca 2+ and Mg 2+HCO 3 − dependent ATPase activity in mitochondrial and microsomal fractions from the uteri of laying hens is demonstrated. ATPase activity was greatest with 5 mM concentrations of Mg 2+ at pH 8.5, and at pH 7.4–7.8 following the addition of bicarbonate. 2. 2. Suppression of eggshell calcification, induced by insertion of a thread into the uterus, did not alter Mg 2+, Ca 2+ and Mg 2+HCO 3 − ATPase activities. 3. 3. Alkaline phosphatase activity was generally low, and was unaffected by suppression of eggshell calcification. 4. 4. Levels of carbonic anhydrase and calcium binding protein were lower in the uteri of hens laying shell-less eggs. 5. 5. Injections of 1,25(OH) 2D 3 in hens laying shell-less eggs did not alter CaBP levels or enzyme activities. 6. 6. It is concluded that factors other than 1,25(OH) 2D 3 and gonadal hormones are involved in the regulation of uterine CaBP levels.

1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol: Dynamics of the stimulation of duodenal calcium-binding protein, calcium transport and bone calcium mobilization in vitamin d and calcium-deficient rats

1 ,25(OIQ2D, is presently known as the most potent and rapidly acting metabolite of vitamin Da in increasing intestinal calcium absorption and bone calcium mobilization [ 11. Intestinal CaBP synthesis can be considered to be a molecular expression of the hormonal action of 1,25(OH)aDa on the enterocyte [2] and consequently a sensitive index of the intestinal response to various metabolites of vitamin Da ]3,41. With the aim of assessing the relation of the vitamin D-dependent CaBP to calcium absorption, the time course of intestinal changes in calcium absorption and CaBP levels in response to 1 ,25(OH)zD3 has received considerable attention in the chick [S-7] but has not yet been investigated in mammals. Using a highly sensitive and specific RIA, recently developed in the rat 181, we report here, in this species, the dynamic of changes in intestinal CaBP levels in response to 1 ,25(OH)zDa. The changes in calcium transport and bone calcium mobilization were also examined.