Effects of vitamin D3, 25(OH) vitamin D3, 24,25(OH)2 vitamin D3, and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 on the in vitro intestinal calcium absorption in the marine teleost, Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)

Ramadan fasting and exercise combination therapy: A novel approach for osteoporosis prevention in ovariectomized rats

Background

Osteoporosis is a chronic bone metabolic disease that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly the elderly and postmenopausal women. It is characterized by weakened bones, increasing the risk of fractures and leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The goal of the current study is to examine the reported osteo-preservative effects of exercise and/or fasting in the Ramadan fasting model (RFM) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.

Methods

The experimental intervention started 1 month following the ovariectomy procedure and consisted of five 15-min exercise sessions per week at 18-25 m/min and/or an approximately 13-h fast from sunrise to sunset (6:00 AM-19:00 PM). Serum bone metabolism biomarker levels were measured, and mineral concentrations in femoral ashed bones and digested serum were determined. Additionally, serum bone alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP), parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin, calcitonin, and vitamin D3 concentrations were measured using the competitive enzyme immunoassay technique.

Results

Calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus showed a notable decrease in mineral concentration among OVX rat femurs compared with the combination group (OVX + RFM + E) and control groups. In addition, homeostasis of serum concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus was observed to increase in the OVX + RFM + E group rather than in the OVX group without intervention when compared with a control group. Furthermore, fasting and exercise, either alone or concurrently with ovariectomy, induced a non-significant elevation in osteocalcin, parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D3, whereas b-ALP and calcitonin increased significantly compared with those in control rats.

Conclusion

The combination of the Ramadan fasting model and moderate intensity exercises among OVX rats manifested advantageous effects in bone biomarkers compared with OVX rats without intervention. This could be recommended as a lifestyle modification that is protective against osteoporosis, especially in the context of depleted estrogen hormone after menopause.

Multi-omics reveals response mechanism of liver metabolism of hybrid sturgeon under ship noise stress

Underwater noise from ship engines can affect the metabolism and immune system of various fish species. Meanwhile, changes in the metabolic pathways in liver are important for fish to adapt to adverse environments. We used a combined multi-omics analysis to investigate the response mechanism of hybrid sturgeon to continuously played ship noise. A control group and a noise group (simulated ship noise: 12 h) were set up, and liver tissues were extracted for high-throughput transcriptome and metabolome sequencing. The results show that a total of 588 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 58 DEGs metabolites were detected. The joint analysis of transcriptome and metabolome showed that under noise stress, apoptosis and cell motility were intensified, DNA replication, RNA transcription and translation, and protein synthesis were inhibited, and lipid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, and vitamin D3 metabolic pathways were also inhibited. Interestingly, the initiation of a partial immune responses ensured their normal immunity abilities. Moreover, material and energy requirements of the organism under noise stress were guaranteed by upregulation of carbohydrate and amino acid metabolic pathways.

Effects of dietary vitamin D3 supplementation on the growth performance, tissue Ca and P concentrations, antioxidant capacity, immune response and lipid metabolism in Litopenaeus vannamei larvae

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary vitamin D3 supplementation on the growth performance, tissue Ca and P concentrations, antioxidant capacity, immune response and lipid metabolism in Litopenaeus vannamei larvae. A total of 720 shrimp (initial weight 0·50 ± 0·01 g) were randomly distributed into six treatments, each of which had three duplicates of forty shrimp per duplicate. Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated to contain graded vitamin D3 (0·18, 0·23, 0·27, 0·48, 0·57 and 0·98 mg/kg of vitamin D3, measured) supplementation levels. The results revealed that L. vannamei fed diet containing 0·48 mg/kg of vitamin D3 achieved the best growth performance. Compared with the control group, supplementing 0·48 mg/kg of vitamin D3 significantly increased (P < 0·05) the activities of catalase, total antioxidative capacity, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase in serum and hepatopancreas. Expression levels of antioxidant and immune-related genes were synchronously increased (P < 0·05). Carapace P and Ca concentrations were increased (P < 0·05) with the increased vitamin D3 supplementation levels. Further analysis of lipid metabolism-related genes expression showed that shrimp fed 0·48 mg of vitamin D3 per kg diet showed the highest value in the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes, while shrimp fed 0·98 mg of vitamin D3 per kg diet showed the highest value in the expression of lipolysis-related genes. In conclusion, the results of present study indicated that dietary supplementation of 0·48 mg/kg of vitamin D3 could increase Ca and P concentrations, improve antioxidant capacity and immune response, and influence lipid metabolism in L. vannamei.

Photo-enhanced toxicity of crude oil on early developmental stages of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)

Photo-enhanced toxicity of crude oil is produced by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) embryos were exposed to crude oil with and without UV radiation (290-400 nm) from 3 days post fertilization (dpf) until 6 dpf. Embryos from the co-exposure experiment were continually exposed to UV radiation until hatching at 11 dpf. Differences in body burden levels and cyp1a expression in cod embryos were observed between the exposure regimes. High doses of crude oil produced increased mortality in cod co-exposed embryos, as well as craniofacial malformations and heart deformities in larvae from both experiments. A higher number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways were revealed in the co-exposure experiment, indicating a photo-enhanced effect of crude oil toxicity. Our results provide mechanistic insights into crude oil and photo-enhanced crude oil toxicity, suggesting that UV radiation increases the toxicity of crude oil in early life stages of Atlantic cod.

Effects of dietary vitamin D3 administration on innate immune parameters of seabream (Sparus aurata L.)

The present study assesses the in vivo effect of vitamin D(3) or cholecalciferol on some innate immune parameters of the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.). Cholecalciferol was orally administered to seabream specimens in a commercial pellet food supplemented with 0 (control); 3750; 18,750 or 37,500 U kg(-1) and fish were sampled after 1, 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. Serum and head- kidney leucocytes were obtained and humoral (peroxidase and complement activity) and cellular (leucocyte peroxidase content, phagocytic, respiratory burst and natural cytotoxic activities) innate immune parameters were measured. Diet supplementation with 37,500 U kg(-1) cholecalciferol for 2 or 4 weeks resulted in a significant increase in phagocytic ability or serum peroxidase content, respectively, whereas the 3750 and 18,750 U kg(-1) supplemented diets led to significant increases in the phagocytic capacity of leucocytes at week 2 compared with the values found in control fish. Natural cytotoxic activity was increased in leucocytes from fish fed for 1 week with 3750 U kg(-1) cholecalciferol. No significant differences were observed in complement activity or in respiratory burst activity in the assayed conditions. These results suggested that dietary vitamin D(3) administration has an effect on the innate immune parameters of gilthead seabream. The immunostimulant effect was greater on the cellular innate immune parameters assayed, suggesting that similar receptors to those present in mammals are involved in the action of this vitamin in the fish immune system.

Environmental salinity regulates the in vitro production of [3H]-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and [3H]-24,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Previous studies have shown that specific binding of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3) to enterocyte basolateral membranes (BLM), as well as circulating concentrations, is affected in response to changes in environmental salinity. It is not known if the production of 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 is affected by environmental salinity. The aim of the present study was to measure the in vitro production of [3H]-1,25(OH)2D3 and [3H]-24,25(OH)2D3 in fresh water (FW) and after 1, 2, 3, and 7 days after transfer to seawater (SW). Pooled sub-cellular fractions (mitochondria and microsomes) from liver or kidney was incubated with [3H]-25(OH)D3 and the produced metabolites were separated using HPLC. Hepatic production of [3H]-1,25(OH)2D3 was decreased after 24h in SW. This was followed by an up-regulation after 48h and a second, slower decrease in production rate which leveled out after 7 days in SW. The production rate in SW was lower than the original rate in FW-adapted fish. For hepatic [3H]-24,25(OH)2D3 production the pattern was reversed. Renal production of [3H]-24,25(OH)2D3 increased significantly during the period of SW acclimation. These results suggest that environmental salinity regulates the production rate of the two antagonizing calcium regulatory hormones; 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3. This gives further evidence to the hypothesis that there is a physiological regulation and a differentiated importance of 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 in relation to environmental calcium concentrations.

Phosphate uptake in chick kidney cells: effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3

Phosphate homeostasis is controlled in part by absorption from the intestine, and reabsorption in the kidney. While the effect of Vitamin D metabolites on enterocytes is well documented, in the current study we assess selected responses in primary cultures of kidney cells. Time course studies revealed a rapid stimulation of phosphate uptake in cells treated with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3), relative to controls. Dose-response studies indicated a biphasic curve with optimal stimulation at 300 pM 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and inhibition at 600 pM seco-steroid. Antibody 099--against the 1,25D(3)-MARRS receptor - abolished stimulation by the steroid hormone. Moreover, phosphate uptake was mediated by the protein kinase C pathway. The metabolite 24,25(OH)(2)D(3), which was found to inhibit the rapid stimulation of phosphate uptake in intestinal cells, had a parallel effect in cultured kidney cells. Finally, the 24,25(OH)(2)D(3) binding protein, catalase, was assessed for longer term down regulation. In both intestinal epithelial cells and kidney cells incubated with 24,25(OH)(2)D(3) for 5-24h, both the specific activity of the enzyme and protein levels were decreased relative to controls, while 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) increased both parameters over the same time periods. We conclude that the Vitamin D metabolites have similar effects in both kidney and intestine, and that 24,25(OH)(2)D(3) may have effects at the level of gene expression.

Contributions of pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant conditions to the actions of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on phosphate uptake in intestinal cells

The steroid hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] rapidly stimulates the uptake of phosphate in isolated chick intestinal cells, while the steroid 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25(OH)2D3] inhibits the rapid stimulation by 1,25(OH)2D3. Earlier work in this laboratory has indicated that a cellular binding protein for 24,25(OH)2D3 is the enzyme catalase. Since binding resulted in decreased catalase activity and increased H2O2 production, studies were undertaken to determine if pro-oxidant conditions mimicked the inhibitory actions of 24,25(OH)2D3, and anti-oxidant conditions prevented the inhibitory actions of 24,25(OH)2D3. An antibody against the 24,25(OH)2D3 binding protein was found to neutralize the inhibitory effect of the steroid on 1,25(OH)2D3-mediated 32P uptake. Incubation of cells in the presence of 50 nM catalase was also found to alleviate inhibition. In another series of experiments, isolated intestinal epithelial cells were incubated as controls or with 1,25(OH)2D3, each in the presence of the catalase inhibitor 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, or with 1,25(OH)2D3 alone. Cells exposed to hormone alone again showed an increased accumulation of 32P, while cells treated with catalase inhibitor and hormone had uptake levels that were indistinguishable from controls. We tested whether inactivation of protein kinase C (PKC), the signaling pathway for 32P uptake, occurred. Incubation of cells with phorbol-13-myristate (PMA) increased 32P uptake, while cells pretreated with 50 microM H2O2 prior to PMA did not exhibit increased uptake. Likewise, PMA significantly increased PKC activity while cells exposed to H2O2 prior to PMA did not. It is concluded that catalase has a central role in mediating rapid responses to steroid hormones.

Characterization of a branchial epithelial calcium channel (ECaC) in freshwater rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The entry of calcium (Ca2+) through an apical membrane epithelial calcium channel (ECaC) is thought to a key step in piscine branchial Ca2+ uptake. In mammals, ECaC is a member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) gene family of which two sub-families have been identified, TRPV5 and TPRV6. In the present study we have identified a single rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) ECaC (rtECaC) that is similar to the mammalian TRPV5 and TRPV6. Phylogenetic analysis of the protein sequence suggests that an ancestral form of the mammalian genes diverged from those in the lower vertebrates prior to the gene duplication event that gave rise to TRPV5 and TRPV6.

The putative model for Ca2+ uptake in fish proposes that the mitochondria-rich cell (also termed ionocyte or chloride cell) is the predominant or exclusive site of transcellular Ca2+ movements owing to preferential localisation of ECaC to the apical membrane of these cells. However, the results of real-time PCR performed on enriched gill cell populations as well as immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridisation analysis of enriched cells, cell cultures and whole gill sections strongly suggest that ECaC is not exclusive to mitochondria-rich cells but that it is also found in pavement cells. Not only was ECaC protein localized to areas of the gill normally having few mitochondria-rich cells, but there was also no consistent co-localization of ECaC- and Na+/K+-ATPase-positive (a marker of mitochondria rich cells) cells. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that although ECaC (mRNA and protein) does exist in trout gill, its cellular distribution is more extensive than previously thought, thus suggesting that Ca2+ uptake may not be restricted to mitochondria-rich cells as was proposed in previous models.

Direct, rapid effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 on isolated intestinal cells

Scattered reports in the literature have suggested that the metabolite 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) [25(OH)D(3)] has biological activity. In the present work, perfusion of isolated duodenal loops of normal chickens with 100 nM 25(OH)D(3) resulted in enhanced transport of (45)Ca within 2 min relative to the vehicle controls. We then tested the effect of a range of 25(OH)D(3) concentrations on (45)Ca handling by isolated intestinal cells in time course studies. Following a basal uptake period, cell suspensions from 7-week old chicks were treated either with 25, 100, or 300 nM 25(OH)D(3), or the vehicle ethanol (0.01%, final concentration). Both 25 and 100 nM 25(OH)D(3) resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in (45)Ca levels, relative to controls, between 1-10 min after treatment, while 300 nM 25(OH)D(3) resulted in a significant increase in (45)Ca levels, relative to controls, after 10 min of incubation. The effect of 100 nM 25(OH)D(3) (a physiological level) on cell calcium was abolished by the presence of 6.5 nM 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3). In cell preparations from 14- or 28-week old birds 100nM 25(OH)D(3) had no effect, relative to vehicle controls. Incubation of cells with 2 microM BAY K8644, a calcium channel activator, stimulated (45)Ca uptake within 3 min relative to vehicle controls (P < 0.05), while addition of either 20 microM forskolin or 100 nM phorbol ester (stimulators of the PKA and PKC pathways, respectively) resulted in enhanced radionuclide levels after 10 min of incubation (P < 0.05, relative to corresponding controls). Finally, cells were treated with 100 nM 25(OH)D(3) or vehicle and samples taken at various times for analyses of protein kinase C and A activities. No effect of 25(OH)D(3) on protein kinase C activity was observed, while protein kinase A activity was stimulated to nearly 200% of controls at 1 min after 25(OH)D(3) addition (P < 0.05, relative to corresponding controls) and began declining at 3 min, returning to control levels 5 min after additions. We conclude that 25(OH)D(3) has a direct effect on calcium handling in enterocytes of young animals that may in part be mediated by the protein kinase A signal transduction pathway.

Environmental salinity regulates receptor expression, cellular effects, and circulating levels of two antagonizing hormones, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, in rainbow trout

In freshwater-adapted rainbow trout, intestinal cells (enterocytes) possess receptors for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)] in the basolateral membrane, and respond to treatment with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) with increased intracellular calcium concentrations. No receptors are found for the antagonizing hormone 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [24,25(OH)(2)D(3)] at the enterocyte basolateral membrane, and it has no effect on enterocyte calcium homeostasis. After acclimation to seawater, however, the enterocyte membrane receptors for 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) are down-regulated and specific binding for 24,25(OH)(2)D(3) appears, which is further up-regulated with time spent in seawater. This shift in receptor expression is concurrent with an increased sensitivity of the enterocytes to 24,25(OH)(2)D(3) and a decreased sensitivity to 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). This results in a partial inhibition of intracellular calcium uptake, which would be beneficial when inhabiting a calcium-rich environment like seawater.

Putative basal lateral membrane receptors for 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) in carp and Atlantic cod enterocytes: characterization of binding and effects on intracellular calcium regulation

The vitamin D metabolite, 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (24R,25(OH)(2)D(3)), was tested for its ability to specifically bind to basal lateral membranes isolated from intestinal epithelium of Atlantic cod (a seawater fish), carp (a freshwater fish), and chicken. Specific saturable binding was demonstrated in membranes from all three species. Membranes from Atlantic cod, carp, and chicken revealed K(d)'s of 7.3 +/- 0.9, 12.5 +/- 0.9 and 7.8 +/- 0.1 nM, and a B(max) for each species estimated to 57.9 +/- 2.9, 195.1 +/- 8.4 and 175 +/- 0.8 fmol/mg protein, respectively. Scatchard analyses indicated a convex curvature and Hill analyses revealed apparent Hill coefficients of 1.84 +/- 0.28, 1.80 +/- 0.29, and 1.78 +/- 0.27 for Atlantic cod, carp and chicken, suggesting a positive cooperative binding in all three species. Basal lateral membranes from Atlantic cod and carp were used to further characterize the binding moiety. In competition studies, basal lateral membranes from Atlantic cod or carp did not discriminate between 24R,25(OH)(2)D(3) and the 24S,25(OH)(2)D(3) isomer, whereas, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and 25(OH)D(3), were less effective in competing with [(3)H]24R,25(OH)(2)D(3) for binding to basal lateral membranes in Atlantic cod and carp. In both the Atlantic cod and carp enterocyte basal lateral membranes, the binding activity could be extracted equally well with high salt as with detergent, indicating a peripheral membrane protein rather than an integral membrane binding protein. Finally, isolated Atlantic cod and carp enterocytes were chosen for analyses of signal transduction events mediated by the putative receptor. In both species, 24R,25(OH)(2)D(3) but not 24S,25(OH)(2)D(3), suppressed Ca(2+)-uptake by enterocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Enterocytes from Atlantic cod and carp, acclimated to Ca(2+)-free media, responded by an intracellular Ca(2+)-release within seconds after addition of 24R,25(OH)(2)D(3) or 24S,25(OH)(2)D(3). The effects on intracellular Ca(2+)-release were dose-dependent for both metabolites. 24S,25(OH)(2)D(3) was effective at lower concentrations and triggered a higher response compared to 24R,25(OH)(2)D(3). These results suggest that the binding molecule(s) for 24R,25(OH)(2)D(3) and 24S,25(OH)(2)D(3) is/are capable of acting as a receptor, mediating rapid, non-genomic responses in intestinal cells.

Thyroxine and vitamin D in the gorgonian Leptogorgia virgulata

The gorgonian coral Leptogorgia virgulata contains thyroxine, or a thyroxine-like substance, referred to here as G-T(4). The G-T(4) levels were significantly higher in colonies collected in the summer vs. winter months. Using immunocytochemical techniques, G-T(4) was localized in the axis, polyp epithelium, and within the electron dense bodies of scleroblasts (spicule-forming cells), as well as on the periphery of spicules. G-T(4) was also localized in the mesoglea between closely adjacent scleroblasts. The effects of exogenous T(4) on the uptake of Ca(45) was determined in spicule, tissue and axis fractions of L. virgulata. The uptake of Ca(45) increased in T(4) treated spicules but decreased in the tissue fraction for all time periods tested. The uptake of Ca(45) into axes was not affected by exogenous T(4) until day 10 of the study. These data suggest that G-T(4) may function in the process of spicule formation. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D apparently is synthesized via ultraviolet radiation. Colonies deprived of ultraviolet radiation had significantly more 'irregular' spicules than colonies maintained in ultraviolet radiation. Exposure to sunlight therefore may be associated with the process of normal spicule formation.

A specific binding moiety for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) in basal lateral membranes of carp enterocytes

Carp (Cyprinus carpio), a freshwater fish that lives in a low-calcium environment, and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), a seawater fish that lives in a high-calcium environment, were studied for the presence of a novel membrane binding protein ("receptor") for the vitamin D metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)]. Basal lateral membranes from enterocytes of either species were prepared and analyzed for specific saturable binding. Membranes from carp revealed a dissociation constant of 1.23 nM with a maximal binding capacity of 212 fmol/mg protein. In comparison, membranes from Atlantic cod enterocytes revealed very low and nonsignificant levels of specific binding. The [(3)H]1,25(OH)(2)D(3) binding activity in carp was further characterized for protein dependence, detergent extractability, and competition for binding with the metabolites 25(OH)D(3) and 24R,25(OH)(2)D(3). Finally, introduction of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) to isolated carp enterocytes enhanced protein kinase C activity within 5 min, whereas intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations were unaffected by a range of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) concentrations, as judged by fura 2 fluorescence. Thus the binding moiety may be a putative plasma membrane receptor for vitamin D, because it is functionally coupled to at least one signal transduction pathway.

24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 suppresses the rapid actions of 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and parathyroid hormone on calcium transport in chick intestine

Studies were undertaken to determine whether 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3) modulates the rapid effects of 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) on calcium transport in the perfused chick intestine. Perfusion with control media resulted in a transport ratio (treated/average basal) of 1.07 +/- 0.06 at t = 40 minutes, while perfusion with 65, 130, 300, or 650 pM 1,25(OH)2D3 yielded ratios of 1.92 +/- 0.23, 2.6 +/- 0.4, 2.8 +/- 0.08, and 3.34 +/- 0.37, respectively. Simultaneous perfusion with each of these doses and 6.5 nM 24,25(OH)2D3 reduced treated/average basal ratios to approximately 1.4 after 40 minutes of perfusion. Vascular perfusion with 65 pM bovine PTH [bPTH(1-34)] stimulated intestinal calcium transport ratios to 3.0 +/- 0.5 after 40 minutes, while the inclusion of 6.5 nM 24,25(OH)2D3 reduced ratios at this time point to 0.56 +/- 0.19. To investigate the effect of these agents on signal transduction, isolated intestinal cells were monitored for intracellular calcium changes using the indicator dye fura-2. After establishing a stable baseline, addition of 130 pM 1,25(OH)2D3 induced rapid calcium oscillations. Intestinal cells exposed to 6.5 nM 24,25(OH)2D3 also exhibited rapid oscillations in fluorescence, which were not further altered by subsequent addition of 1,25(OH)2D3. Incubation of isolated cells with 130 pM 1,25(OH)2D3 was found to increase protein kinase C (PKC) activity within 5 minutes, and protein kinase A (PKA) activity within 7 minutes. Exposure of cells to 65 pM bPTH(1-34) had minimal effect on PKC activity, but resulted in pronounced increases in PKA activity. Stimulation of protein kinases by either secosteroid or peptide hormone was inhibited in the presence of 6.5 nM 24,25(OH)2D3. It is concluded that 24,25(OH)2D3 may exert endocrine actions on intestine.

Cholecalciferol modulates plasma phosphate but not plasma vitamin D levels and intestinal phosphate absorption in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Since the vitamin D endocrine system modulates phosphorus homeostasis and regulates inorganic phosphate (Pi) uptake by the small intestine in mammals and birds, we determined the effects of dietary cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) on Pi uptake by the small intestine, Pi concentrations in the plasma, Pi concentrations in the intestinal lumen, intestinal weights, liver weights, and concentrations of vitamin D metabolites in the plasma of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed phosphorus-sufficient (0.6 g/100 g) diets. Five groups of trout initially weighing 55.8 +/- 0.6 g were fed purified diets containing 0, 300, 2,500, 10,000, and 40,000 IU vitamin D3/kg diet over a 7- to 8-day feeding period. Plasma Pi concentration was higher in trout fed 2,500-40,000 IU/kg diet (8.26 +/- 0.27 mmol/L) than in those fed 0 and 300 IU/kg (6.99 +/- 0.30). Liver weights were 30-50% greater in fish fed 0 IU/kg than in those fed 300-40,000 IU/kg. There were no significant, diet-related differences in plasma levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25(OH)D3] and 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)2D3]. Increasing levels of dietary cholecalciferol also did not enhance in vitro Pi uptakes by the intestine (range of means: 0.22-0.29 nmol/mg tissue. min) and Pi concentrations in the intestinal lumen (8.5-13.5 mmol/L). Pi uptake did not differ among tissues incubated in vitamin D3, 25(OH)D3, or 1,25(OH)2D3. These results demonstrate that when fish are fed P-sufficient diets, dietary cholecalciferol increases plasma Pi concentrations but decreases liver weights, alterations which are not accompanied by changes in intestinal weight, Pi uptake by the intestine, Pi concentration in the intestinal lumen, and circulating metabolites of cholecalciferol.

Arachidonic acid is an autocoid mediator of the differential action of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and 24,25-(OH)2D3 on growth plate chondrocytes

Prior studies have shown that 24,25-(OH)2D3 and 1,25-(OH)2D3 regulate protein kinase C (PKC) in costochondral chondrocytes in a cell maturation-dependent manner, with 1,25-(OH)2D3 affecting primarily growth zone (GC) cells and 24,25-(OH)2D3 affecting primarily resting zone (RC) cells. In addition, 1,25-(OH)2D3 has been shown to increase phospholipase A2 activity in GC, while 24,25-(OH)2D3 has been shown to decrease phospholipase A2 activity in RC. Stimulation of phospholipase A2 in GC caused an increase in PKC, whereas inhibition of phospholipase A2 activity in RC cultures increased both basal and 24,25-(OH)2D3-induced PKC activity, suggesting that phospholipase A2 may play a central role in mediating the effects of the vitamin D metabolites on PKC. To test this hypothesis, RC and GC cells were cultured in the presence and absence of phospholipase A2 inhibitors (quinacrine and oleyloxyethylphosphorylcholine [OEPC]), phospholipase A2 activators (melittin and mastoparan), or arachidonic acid alone or in the presence of the target cell-specific vitamin D metabolite. PKC specific activity in the cell layer was determined as a function of time. Phospholipase A2 inhibitors decreased both basal and 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced PKC activity in GC. When phospholipase A2 activity was activated by inclusion of melittin or mastoparan in the cultures, basal PKC activity in RC was reduced, while that in GC was increased. Similarly, melittin and mastoparan decreased 24,25-(OH)2D3-induced PKC activity in RC and increased 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced PKC activity in GC. For both cell types, the addition of arachidonic acid to the culture media produced an effect on PKC activity that was similar to that observed when phospholipase A2 activators were added to the cells. These results demonstrate that vitamin D metabolite-induced changes in phospholipase A2 activity are directly related to changes in PKC activity. Similarly, exogenous arachidonic acid affects PKC in a manner consistent with activation of phospholipase A2. These effects are cell maturation- and time-dependent and metabolite-specific.

Membrane receptors for steroid hormones: a case for specific cell surface binding sites for vitamin D metabolites and estrogens

Steroid hormones, including vitamin D metabolites and estrogens, activate target cells through specific receptors that discriminate among ligands based upon recognition of distinct structural features. For both classes of ligands, cell surface and nuclear receptors co-exist in many target cells. Upon ligand binding, these receptors generate both rapid and long lasting responses. While the structure of the nuclear receptors and their function as transcriptional activators of specific target genes is generally understood, the identity of the membrane receptors remains elusive. Using pharmacological, functional and biochemical approaches, new insights are being gained into nature of the cell surface receptors for both vitamin D metabolites and estrogens.

Distribution of target cells for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in the brain of the yellow bellied turtle Trachemys scripta

Five h after injection of tritiated 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 into Trachemys scripta, neurons with nuclear concentrations of radioactivity were identified in distinct regions within the central nervous system. Coinjection of a 100-fold excess of non-labeled 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 abolished or reduced the specific nuclear binding of tracer. Target neurons were present in ventral periventricular brain regions including tuberculum olfactorium, nucleus accumbens, cortex piriformis, primordium hippocampi, nucleus striae terminalis, dorsal ventricular ridge, amygdala, nucleus infundibularis and tectum opticum. With the exception of the nucleus infundibularis and the tectum opticum, target neurons can be continuously followed from the ventrolateral nucleus accumbens throughout the nucleus striae terminalis into the amygdala. The general distribution of target neurons is similar to that described for rodents but more restricted to the above regions. The results show that target neurons for vitamin D are located in brain regions including several components of the limbic and thalamic systems in which gonadal steroids as well as aminergic and peptidergic messengers exert their actions. Vitamin D, the heliogenic steroid hormone, may therefore be involved in the orchestration of season-specific processes such as reproduction and related behaviors.

In vivo calcitropic effect of some vitamin D compounds in the marine Antarctic teleost, Pagothenia bernacchii

The Antarctic notothenioid, Pagothenia bernacchii, were found to have plasma total and free calcium levels, plasma inorganic phosphate and whole body calcium efflux rates which were similar to those seen in other teleosts. But total bone calcium was lower than reported for other teleosts. A single injection of vitamin D3 (5 ng g(-1) fish) increased plasma total and plasma free calcium and these increases were associated with an increase in whole body calcium efflux and bone calcification. Conversely, the same treatment with 1,25-(OH)2-D3 reduced plasma free calcium. This seco-steroid also increased the specific activity of (45)Ca in bone at 40h post-injection but did not significantly effect total bone calcium, plasma total calcium or whole body calcium efflux. 25-OH-D3 at the same dose had no effect on any of the parameters tested and none of the seco-steroids tested had any effect on plasma total inorganic phosphate. These data show that both D3 and 1,25-(OH)3-D3 can have calcitropic effects in this marine teleost and that these two forms of vitamin D can exert different effects within the same species.

Development of a technique for in situ studies of calcium absorption in the intestine of rats

The aim of the present study was to develop (feasibility, reliability, reproducibility) a technique for the in situ measurement of intestinal calcium absorption in the rat. An intestinal loop (duodenum+proximal jejunum) was perfused both by the intraluminal and vascular routes. A solution of NaCl 155 mM and CaCl2 1.25 mM containing 45Ca was perfused intraluminally at a flow rate of 0.2 ml/min and the 45Ca appearing in the venous effluent was determined to estimate calcium absorption. This technique was used to study the effect of a 10-day period of calcium supplementation on calcium absorption. The animals received enterally either 5 or 30 mg/day per kg BW. The results showed that intestinal calcium transport was enhanced when rats were given the calcium supplement for 10 days prior to the experiment (99.3 +/- 2.5 (n = 5) versus 36.6 +/- 3.6 (n = 5) nmol/min per kg BW, P < 0.001). This study indicates that dietary calcium supplement enhances calcium absorption probably by increasing the passive transport of calcium in the small intestine.

Effect of vitamin D3 administration on the serum calcium and inorganic phosphate levels of the freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis, maintained in artificial fresh water, calcium-rich fresh water, and calcium-deficient fresh water

Freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis, were injected daily intraperitoneally either with vehicle (0.05 ml of 95% ethanol/100 g body wt) or vitamin D3 (50 I.U./100 g body wt) and maintained in artificial fresh water, calcium-rich fresh water, or calcium-deficient fresh water for 10 days. The specimens were sacrificed on Days 1, 3, 5, and 10 after initiation of the experiment. The blood samples were collected on these intervals and serum calcium and inorganic phosphate levels were analyzed. Vitamin D3 induced hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia in the freshwater catfish, H. fossilis. These effects of vitamin D3 are not dependent upon the calcium concentration of the different ambient media used in this study.