A novel calcimimetic agent, evocalcet (MT-4580/KHK7580), suppresses the parathyroid cell function with little effect on the gastrointestinal tract or CYP isozymes in vivo and in vitro

Cinacalcet hydrochloride (cinacalcet), an oral calcimimetic agent has been widely used for the management of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in chronic kidney disease (CKD). In sharp contrast to vitamin D receptor activators, cinacalcet suppresses SHPT without inducing hypercalcemia or hyperphosphatemia. Nevertheless, some patients remain refractory to SHPT with this agent, as the dose cannot be sufficiently increased due to gastrointestinal symptoms. In order to resolve this issue, we have developed a newly synthesized calcimimetic agent, evocalcet (MT-4580/KHK7580). In a rat model of CKD induced by 5/6 nephrectomy, oral administration of evocalcet efficiently suppressed the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH). With regard to the gastro-intestinal effects, cinacalcet induced a significant delay in gastric emptying in rats, while evocalcet did no marked effects on it. Evocalcet also demonstrated the less induction of emesis compared to cinacalcet in common marmosets. The pharmacological effects of evocalcet were observed at lower doses because of its higher bioavailability than cinacalcet, which may have contributed to the reduced GI tract symptoms. In addition, evocalcet showed no substantial direct inhibition of any CYP isozymes in in vitro liver microsome assay, suggesting a better profile in drug interactions than cinacalcet that inhibits cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6. These findings suggest that evocalcet can be a better alternative to cinacalcet, an oral calcimimetic agent, with a wider safety margin.

Distribution and regulation of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 1α-hydroxylase in human parathyroid glands

Parathyroid glands express the 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) 1α-hydroxylase (1αOHase). 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (calcitriol) synthesized by extrarenal tissues generally does not enter the circulation, but plays an autocrine/paracrine role specific to the cell type, and is regulated by the needs of that particular cell. While the role of calcitriol produced in the parathyroid glands presumably is to suppress PTH and cell growth, its regulation in this cell type has not been defined. In the present study, we found that regulation of the human parathyroid 1αOHase differs from the renal enzyme in that it is induced by FGF-23 and extracellular calcium. Hyperplastic parathyroid glands from patients with chronic kidney failure normally display a heterogeneous cellularity. We found that the 1αOHase is expressed at much higher levels in oxyphil cells than in chief cells in these patients. Recent findings indicate that oxyphil cell content is increased by treatment with calcium receptor activators (calcimimetics). Here, we demonstrate that the calcimimetic cinacalcet increases the expression of 1αOHase in human parathyroid cultures. Additionally, we found that the 1αOHase in human parathyroid cultures is functionally active, as evidenced by the ability of the enzyme to 1-hydroxylate 25(OH)D(3) in parathyroid monolayers. Calcium, as well as cinacalcet, also induced expression of the degradation enzyme 24-hydroxylase, indicating the presence of a negative feedback system in the parathyroid cells. Therefore, local production of 1αOHase suggests an autocrine/paracrine role in regulating parathyroid function and may mediate, in part, the suppression of PTH by calcium and FGF-23.

alpha-Klotho as a regulator of calcium homeostasis

alpha-klotho was identified as a gene associated with premature aging-like phenotypes characterized by short lifespan. In mice, we found the molecular association of alpha-Klotho (alpha-Kl) and Na+,K+-adenosine triphosphatase (Na+,K+-ATPase) and provide evidence for an increase of abundance of Na+,K+-ATPase at the plasma membrane. Low concentrations of extracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]e) rapidly induce regulated parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion in an alpha-Kl- and Na+,K+-ATPase-dependent manner. The increased Na+ gradient created by Na+,K+-ATPase activity might drive the transepithelial transport of Ca2+ in cooperation with ion channels and transporters in the choroid plexus and the kidney. Our findings reveal fundamental roles of alpha-Kl in the regulation of calcium metabolism.

Differential expression of a subunit isoforms of the vacuolar-type proton pump ATPase in mouse endocrine tissues

Vacuolar-type proton ATPase (V-ATPase) is a multi-subunit enzyme that couples ATP hydrolysis to the translocation of protons across membranes. Mammalian cells express four isoforms of the a subunit of V-ATPase. Previously, we have shown that V-ATPase with the a3 isoform is highly expressed in pancreatic islets and is located in the membranes of insulin-containing granules in the beta cells. The a3 isoform functions in the regulation of hormone secretion. In this study, we have examined the distribution of a subunit isoforms in endocrine tissues, including the adrenal, parathyroid, thyroid, and pituitary glands, with isoform-specific antibodies. We have found that the a3 isoform is strongly expressed in all these endocrine tissues. Our results suggest that functions of the a3 isoform are commonly involved in the process of exocytosis in regulated secretion.

Protein Kinase C-mediated Phosphorylation of the Calcium-sensing Receptor Is Stimulated by Receptor Activation and Attenuated by Calyculin-sensitive Phosphatase Activity

The agonist sensitivity of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) can be altered by protein kinase C (PKC), with CaR residue Thr(888) contributing significantly to this effect. To determine whether CaR(T888) is a substrate for PKC and whether receptor activation modulates such phosphorylation, a phospho-specific antibody against this residue was raised (CaR(pT888)). In HEK-293 cells stably expressing CaR (CaR-HEK), but not in cells expressing the mutant receptor CaR(T888A), phorbol ester (PMA) treatment increased CaR(pT888) immunoreactivity as observed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. Raising extracellular Ca(2+) concentration from 0.5 to 2.5 mM increased CaR(T888) phosphorylation, an effect that was potentiated stereoselectively by the calcimimetic NPS R-467. These responses were mimicked by 5 mM extracellular Ca(2+) and abolished by the calcilytic NPS-89636 and also by PKC inhibition or chronic PMA pretreatment. Whereas CaR(T888A) did exhibit increased apparent agonist sensitivity, by converting intracellular Ca(2+) (Ca(2+)(i)) oscillations to sustained plateau responses in some cells, we still observed Ca(2+)(i) oscillations in a significant number of cells. This suggests that CaR(T888) contributes significantly to CaR regulation but is not the exclusive determinant of CaR-induced Ca(2+)(i) oscillations. Finally, dephosphorylation of CaR(T888) was blocked by the protein phosphatase 1/2A inhibitor calyculin, a treatment that also inhibited Ca(2+)(i) oscillations. In addition, calyculin/PMA cotreatment increased CaR(T888) phosphorylation in bovine parathyroid cells. Therefore, CaR(T888) is a substrate for receptor-induced, PKC-mediated feedback phosphorylation and can be dephosphorylated by a calyculin-sensitive phosphatase.

Up-regulation of the gene encoding protein kinase A type I alpha regulatory subunit in nodular hyperplasia of parathyroid glands in patients with chronic renal failure

CONTEXT

Hyperplasia of parathyroid glands in patients with chronic renal failure is classified into diffuse (DH) and nodular (NH) types, and NH is often refractory to routine medical therapy.

OBJECTIVE

Although it is considered that the parenchymal cells initially proliferate diffusely and then some of them are transformed to form nodules consisting of monoclonal cells, the underlying molecular mechanism for such a transformation is not fully understood. In this study we tried to identify the genes that are up-regulated in NH.

DESIGN AND SETTING

The cDNA population prepared from DH was subtracted from that prepared from NH by a PCR-based cDNA subtraction method. The resultant cDNAs were cloned and sequenced. To confirm the up-regulation of the identified genes, a total of 35 parathyroid glands (18 DH, 16 NH, and one mixed) obtained from 21 patients were analyzed.

RESULTS

One of the nuclear genes identified was the PRKAR1A gene, which encodes type Ialpha regulatory subunit (RIalpha) of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that RIalpha was abundantly expressed in the nodular region, whereas the adjacent diffuse region displayed relatively low expression. Northern and Western blot analyses demonstrated up-regulation of RIalpha expression in most NH tested. Determination of PKA activities revealed that free PKA activities measured in the absence of cAMP in the assay were inversely correlated with RIalpha expression, indicating the functional significance of RIalpha up-regulation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the aberrant expression of RIalpha is involved in the diffuse to nodular transformation of hyperplasia of parathyroid glands by impairing cAMP/PKA signal transduction.

Expression of nitric oxide synthases in parathyroid gland adenoma and parathyroid gland hyperplasia

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the presented study was to perform the immunohistochemical detection of endothelial (eNOS) and inducible (iNOS) isoform of nitric oxide synthase in the adenomatous and hyperplastic parathyroid gland in relation to the apoptotic process.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Tissue samples from 12 patients with parathyroid gland adenoma (PGA) and 10 patients with secondary parathyroid gland hyperplasia (PGH) were collected during surgery at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery of The First Faculty of Medicine in Prague.

METHODS

Three-step immunoperoxidase reaction on acetone-fixed cryostat sections was performed using both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against eNOS and iNOS. The detection of apoptotic cells was done using antibody against cleaved caspase-3 as an apoptotic marker.

RESULTS

The immunoreactivity to eNOS antibody was observed in the endothelial lining of vessels in PGA, PGH and in the rim of normal parathyroid gland adjacent to PGA sample. Variable expression of eNOS was confirmed in arteries, arterioles, capillaries and veins in the glandular parenchyma as well as in the surrounding connective tissue. There was no iNOS immunoreactive cell detected in any examined sample. No apoptotic cells were detected.

MAIN RESULT

Our findings confirm that eNOS is regularly expressed in the vasculature of PGA and PGH.

CONCLUSION

eNOS observed in the vasculature of the enlarged parathyroid glands can serve as a factor that contributes to the viability of hypertrophic pathologic tissue. The lack of stimulating signals may be a reason for negative iNOS detection and negligible apoptotic rate.

m-Calpain colocalizes with the calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) in caveolae in parathyroid cells and participates in degradation of the CaR

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) is a G protein-coupled, seven-transmembrane receptor and resides within caveolin-rich membrane domains in bovine parathyroid cells. The proenzyme of calpain 2 (m-calpain) is a heterodimeric calcium-dependent cysteine protease consisting of catalytic and regulatory subunits. The effects of calcium on the enzyme include activation, autolysis, and subunit dissociation. Here, we examine the potential role of caveolin-1 and caveolae in regulating the cellular distribution and function of m-calpain in parathyroid cells. We show that the inactive heterodimeric forms of m-calpain are concentrated in caveolin-rich membrane fractions prepared from parathyroid cells incubated with low extracellular calcium (Ca2+(o)). In contrast, in cells incubated with 3 mm Ca2+(o), which activates the CaR and increases intracellular calcium, there is a reduction in m-calpain in association with an increase in CaR protein and phosphorylated protein kinase C alpha and beta in caveolin-rich fractions. To assess the impact of activation of calpain on CaR protein in caveolar fractions, we analyzed the effects of m-calpain on the CaR. Activation of the CaR with high Ca2+(o) induced the release of lower molecular weight fragments of the receptor into the cell culture medium, and calpain inhibitors blocked this effect. Moreover, the fragments of the CaR as well as caveolin-1, m-calpain, and alkaline phosphatase were localized in membrane vesicles shed by parathyroid cells, supporting the association of these proteins in living cells. Treatment of CaR proteins in vitro with m-calpain also resulted in the appearance of lower molecular weight fragments of the CaR. Our data suggest that localization of m-calpain within caveolae may contribute to maintenance of the enzyme in an inactive state and that m-calpain may also contribute to the regulation of CaR levels.

Selective interaction of megalin with postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95)-like membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) proteins

Megalin is an integral membrane receptor belonging to the low-density lipoprotein receptor family. In addition to its role as an endocytotic receptor, megalin has also been proposed to have signalling functions. Using interaction cloning in yeast, we identified the membrane-associated guanylate kinase family member postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) as an interaction partner for megalin. PSD-95 and a truncated version of megalin were co-immunoprecipitated from HEK-293 cell lysates overexpressing the two proteins, which confirmed the interaction. The two proteins were found to be co-localized in these cells by confocal microscopy. Immunocytochemical studies showed that cells in the parathyroid, proximal tubuli of the kidney and placenta express both megalin and PSD-95. We found that the interaction between the two proteins is mediated by the binding of the C-terminus of megalin, which has a type I PSD-95/ Drosophila discs-large/zona occludens 1 (PDZ)-binding motif, to the PDZ2 domain of PSD-95. The PSD-95-like membrane-associated guanylate kinase ('MAGUK') family contains three additional members: PSD-93, synapse-associated protein 97 (SAP97) and SAP102. We detected these proteins, apart from SAP102, in parathyroid chief cells, a cell type having a marked expression of megalin. The PDZ2 domains of PSD-93 and SAP102 were also shown to interact with megalin, whereas no interaction was detected for SAP97. The SAP97 PDZ2 domain differed at four positions from the other members of the PSD-95 subfamily. One of these residues was Thr(389), located in the alphaB-helix and part of the hydrophobic pocket of the PDZ2 domain. Surface plasmon resonance experiments revealed that mutation of SAP97 Thr(389) to alanine, as with the other PSD-95-like membrane-associated guanylate kinases, induced binding to megalin.

Characterization of heparanase from a rat parathyroid cell line

Cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans undergo unique intracellular degradation pathways after they are endocytosed from the cell surface. Heparanase, an endo-beta-glucuronidase capable of cleaving heparan sulfate, has been demonstrated to contribute to the physiological degradation of heparan sulfate proteoglycans and therefore regulation of their biological functions. A rat parathyroid cell line was found to produce heparanase with an optimal activity at neutral and slightly acidic conditions suggesting that the enzyme participates in heparan sulfate proteoglycan metabolism in extralysosomal compartments. To elucidate the detailed properties of the purified enzyme, the substrate specificity against naturally occurring heparan sulfates and chemically modified heparins was studied. Cleavage sites of rat heparanase were present in heparan sulfate chains obtained from a variety of animal organs, but their occurrence was infrequent (average, 1-2 sites per chain) requiring recognition of both undersulfated and sulfated regions of heparan sulfate. On the other hand intact and chemically modified heparins were not cleaved by heparanase. The carbohydrate structure of the newly generated reducing end region of heparan sulfate cleaved by the enzyme was determined, and it represented relatively undersulfated structures. O-Sulfation of heparan sulfate chains also played important roles in substrate recognition, implying that rat parathyroid heparanase acts near the boundary of highly sulfated and undersulfated domains of heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Further elucidation of the roles of heparanase in normal physiological processes would provide an important tool for analyzing the regulation of heparan sulfate-dependent cell functions.

Consistent decrease in telomere length in parathyroid tumors but alteration in telomerase activity limited to malignancies: preliminary report

Telomerase is known to be activated and telomere length altered in various types of malignant and benign tumors, but whether this is also the case for parathyroid lesions has hitherto been unclear. We therefore investigated telomerase activity and telomere length in 3 parathyroid metastatic cancers, 6 adenomas, 2 cases of parathyroid hyperplasia, and 16 samples of normal parathyroid tissue. Telomerase activity, assayed by the telomeric repeat amplification protocol, was detected in all of the parathyroid cancers (100%), in none of the 8 parathyroid benign lesions, and in only 1 of the 16 normal parathyroid samples (8.3%). Telomere length, determined by the terminal restriction fragment assay, was reduced in the tumor tissues with a mean telomere length of 8.23 +/- 0.86 kbp compared with the 12.61 +/- 0.81 kbp for the 16 age-matched subjects (p = 0.002). The results indicate that telomerase activity and telomere length may reflect the biologic behavior of individual parathyroid lesions.

Telomerase is not activated in human hyperplastic and adenomatous parathyroid tissue

BACKGROUND

Telomerase is a specific enzyme that appears to have a key role in cellular senescence and the progression of neoplastic tissue. High telomerase activity has been found in several cancers, but not in most normal and benign tissue. Little is known about the influence of telomerase on the abnormal growth associated with hyperparathyroidism.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse telomerase activity in parathyroid tissue obtained from 29 patients undergoing surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism.

DESIGN

Tissue for telomerase activity measurements was collected from six hyperplastic, 20 adenomatous and 22 normal parathyroid glands.

METHODS

The highly sensitive PCR-based telomeric repeat amplification protocol, TRAP, combined with ELISA, was used to detect telomerase activity in tissue extracts containing 3.0 microg protein.

RESULT

Telomerase was not activated in any of the analysed tissue by 3 microg protein. Reassay of 12 samples containing 6.0 microg protein verified these negative TRAP results.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that telomerase is not a part of the mechanism promoting parathyroid proliferation and the underlying conditions remain to be determined.

Isolation and characterization of coenzyme A glutathione disulfide as a parathyroid-derived vasoconstrictive factor

BACKGROUND

Coenzyme A glutathione disulfide (CoA-SSG) was recently isolated from bovine adrenal glands and was shown to be a renal vasoconstrictor. The identification of CoA-SSG in human parathyroid glands and its action on cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are described here.

METHODS AND RESULTS

After purification to homogeneity by several chromatographic steps, CoA-SSG was identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry and enzymatic analysis. The dose-dependent growth-stimulating effect of CoA-SSG on VSMCs, measured by the [(3)H]thymidine method, is characterized by a threshold of 10(-)(8) mol/L and a maximum effect of 10 micromol/L, increasing VSMC proliferation 254+/-21% above control. A dose of 10 micromol/L methylmalonyl-CoA and 10 micromol/L CoA increased the rate of proliferation of VSMCs only by 178+/-43% and 50+/-42% above control, respectively. Glutathione has no proliferative effect on VSMCs. The growth-stimulating effect of CoA-SSG (1 micromol/L) was decreased by the antagonists 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX; 11 micromol/L) (38% compared with CoA-SSG without antagonist) and pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2,4-disulfonic acid (PPADS; 10 micromol/L) (48% compared with CoA-SSG without antagonist; each P:<0. 05 versus control), indicating that the effect is mediated partly via A(2) and partly via P(2)Y(1) and/or P(2)Y(4) receptor.

CONCLUSIONS

CoA-SSG may play a regulatory role in VSMC growth as a progression factor and thereby could play an important role in development of hypertension.

Telomerase repeat amplification protocol (TRAP): A new molecular marker for parathyroid carcinoma

Telomerase results to be active in human germ, stem cells, several malignant cell tumors and in immortalized cell lines. In order to investigate if molecular mechanisms other than Rb gene inactivation can be helpful to diagnose malignancy of parathyroid tumors, we decided to investigate the presence of active telomerase in homogenates from different pathological parathyroid tissues (hyperplastic, adenomatous, carcinomatous, and normal) and primary cell cultures. The TRAP assay was performed to detect this activity in histologically characterized normal, hyperplastic, adenomatous, and carcinomatous human parathyroid tissues, primary cell lines, and one metastatic tissue from parathyroid carcinoma. Only malignant parathyroid glands and the metastatic tissue were TRAP positive. Our findings suggest that telomerase expression could represent an important molecular mechanism underlying the acquisition and progression of an aggressive phenotype of epithelial parathyroid cells and it may help to predict their malignant potential. The TRAP assay is easy to perform and it could become an additional tool to be included in the harmamentarium for the molecular diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma.

Effects of extracellular calcium on the subcellular translocation of bovine parathyroid PKC isozymes

The release of parathyroid hormone is regulated by the extracellular concentration of Ca2+ through a sensor(s) on the surface of the parathyroid cells, but few details are known on the further relay of the signal inside the cell. Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes is associated with their translocation from the cell soluble fraction to the particulate fraction of the cell. Therefore, identification of a subcellular localization of a PKC isozyme in parathyroid cells as a response to changes in extracellular Ca2+ should be an indication for its putative role in signal transduction coupled to the Ca2+ sensor. We have determined the subcellular localization of six PKC isozymes (alpha, betaI, betaII, epsilon, zeta, and iota) in nonstimulated parathyroid cells and in those treated with low (0.5 mM) and high (3.0 mM) extracellular Ca2+ by confocal microscopy. At the physiological concentration of serum Ca2+, all PKC isozymes studied were localized mainly to the cytosol, although to different extents. Low extracellular Ca2+ caused a redistribution of PKCalpha to the periphery of the cells. In contrast, PKCbetaI, -epsilon, -zeta, and -iota were translocated to the periphery of the cells at high extracellular Ca2+. These results indicate that PKCalpha, -betaI, -epsilon, -zeta, and -iota are involved in the response of parathyroid cells to changes in extracellular Ca2+.

Characterization of the phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C isozymes present in the bovine parathyroid and in human kidney HEK293 cells stably transfected with the human parathyroid Ca2+-sensing receptor

The regulation of parathyroid hormone secretion by the chief cells of the parathyroid is mediated by a 7-transmembrane (7-TM) Ca2+-sensing receptor (CaR), which signals via activation of pertussis toxin-insensitive G proteins, causing stimulation of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC). We have identified the PI-PLC isoforms expressed in two model systems utilized for studying CaR signal transduction, i.e. dispersed bovine parathyroid cells and a human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK 293) stably transfected with the human parathyroid CaR-cDNA. All of the eight PI-PLC isozymes examined in this study were found to be expressed to varying extents in the bovine parathyroid gland and in the CaR-transfected HEK cells as assessed by immunoblotting. We localized the expression of the more abundant isozymes (beta1, beta2, beta3, gamma1, gamma2, delta2) to the chief cells of the bovine parathyroid by immunocytochemistry, while the two less abundant isozymes (delta1, beta4) were not detectable in parathyroid sections. G proteins activated by 7-TM receptors are known to activate mainly PI-PLC of the beta class. Therefore, beta1, beta2, beta3 and beta4, all expressed in the bovine parathyroid, are candidate isozymes for coupling to the CaR. A comparison of the levels of expression of PI-PLC isozymes between CaR-transfected HEK cells and non-transfected HEK cells suggested that the expression of the CaR in this human cell line does not cause a significant up-regulation of any of the PLCbeta and PLCgamma isozymes. PLCdelta2, showing predominantly nuclear localization in the parathyroid, was the sole PI-PLC isozyme with higher levels of expression in CaR-transfected HEK cells.

Identification of classical, novel, and atypical protein kinase C isoenzymes in the bovine parathyroid

Because phospholipid metabolism leading to the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) may play a key regulatory role in the degradation and secretion of PTH, we examined parathyroid cell fractions for the presence of various PKC isoenzymes. Hydroxylapatite chromatography identified the classical PKCs, alpha and beta, but not gamma in parathyroid cell extracts. Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of PKC alpha and beta in these extracts. Of the so-called novel PKCs, Western blot analysis revealed the presence of only one isoenzyme, novel PKC epsilon in parathyroid cell soluble extracts. Western blot analysis using an antibody to the C-terminus of the atypical isoenzyme, PKC zeta, identified a protein of lower molecular weight in addition to PKC zeta. This lower molecular weight protein presumably represents PKC lambda, which shares a high degree of C-terminal sequence similarity with PKC zeta. These findings suggest the possibility that members of all three groups of the PKC family are present and may play a regulatory role in the bovine parathyroid cell.

Calcium-activated proteases in the bovine parathyroid gland: potential role in degradation of parathyroid hormone to peptide fragments

Our studies suggest that protein kinase C is involved in low calcium (Ca2+)-stimulated secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) but not directly in high Ca(2+)-stimulated intracellular degradation of PTH to secreted carboxyl-terminal fragments (C-PTH), an important component of Ca(2+)-regulated PTH secretion. The present study was undertaken to determine the presence of calcium-activated proteases, 84 kDa (micro)-calpain and 80 kDa (milli)-calpain, in the bovine parathyroid, and whether they could degrade PTH to C-terminal fragments. Immunocytochemistry of bovine parathyroid tissue using antibodies raised against bovine heart micro- and milli-calpain detected both isoforms of calpain. Western blotting of total bovine parathyroid cell protein prepared from primary cell cultures confirmed the presence of both isoforms of calpain, demonstrated by specific milli- and micro-calpain bands. Purified bovine PTH (bPTH) was incubated in vitro with human erythrocyte micro-calpain and the cleavage products were separated by reverse-phase HPLC. Eluant fractions were assayed with an RIA with equimolar sensitivity to C-PTH and bPTH, and peak areas integrated. Micro-calpain produced a C-PTH peak from bPTH which co-eluted with the major C-PTH secreted by parathyroid cells in culture. C-PTH production by micro-calpain, expressed as per cent area under the curve, increased from 0% in the absence of either micro-calpain or Ca2+, to 71.5% when a 5:1 molar ratio of bPTH to calpain was used. Amino acid sequencing and analysis of the immunoreactive PTH cleavage products indicated the presence of two fragments of bPTH in the C-PTH peak, bPTH47-48 and bPTH69-84. In summary, both isoforms of calpain are present in the bovine parathyroid and calpains may play a role in the Ca(2+)-dependent degradation of PTH to secreted C-terminal fragments.

Expression of the endothelin-converting enzyme gene in human tissues

Based on the cDNA sequence of the human and bovine endothelin converting enzyme (ECE-1) we have developed a novel reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to investigate the tissue expression of this gene. We were able to specifically detect the gene mRNA starting from very limited amount of tissue in all human as well as bovine tissues examined. Thus, our results confirm a widespread expression of the ECE-1 gene in human tissues, in keeping with the findings in other species, and suggest a major biological role of ECE-1.

Stimulus-secretion coupling in parathyroid cells deficient in protein kinase C activity

The role of protein kinase C (PKC) in regulating cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion was studied in bovine parathyroid cells rendered deficient in PKC activity by incubation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Pretreatment with PMA caused a time- and concentration-dependent loss of functional PKC activity as assessed by the failure of [Ca2+]i and PTH secretion to respond to the subsequent addition of PKC activators or the inhibitor staurosporine. Pretreatment for 24 h with 1 microM PMA caused a loss of 85% of the total and 98% of the cytosolic PKC activity. Cells so pretreated were considered to be "PKC downregulated." Increasing the concentration of extracellular Ca2+ or Mg2+ caused corresponding increases in [Ca2+]i that were similar in control and in PKC-downregulated cells. PTH secretion regulated by extracellular Ca2+ or Mg2+ was likewise similar in control and PKC-downregulated cells. Stimulus-secretion coupling is thus unimpaired in parathyroid cells deficient in PKC activity. Cytosolic Ca2+ responses remained depressed in cells incubated for 24 h with low concentrations of PMA (30 or 100 nM). However, under these conditions, extracellular Ca2+ still suppressed PTH secretion similarly to control cells. These results reveal a dissociation between cytosolic Ca2+ and PTH secretion and suggest that signals other than cytosolic Ca2+ are involved in the regulation of PTH secretion.

Cysteine proteinases in rat parathyroid cells with special reference to their correlation with parathyroid hormone (PTH) in storage granules

To further understand the roles of storage granules in parathyroid cells, we examined by immunocytochemistry the localization of cathepsins B and H and of PTH in rat parathyroid gland. In semi-thin sections, small and large granular immunodeposits for cathepsins B and H appeared in the cells, whereas those for PTH were detected throughout the cells, especially in perinuclear regions. By electron microscopy, immunogold particles indicating cathepsins B and H labeled lysosomes and storage granules, whereas those showing PTH were localized in storage granules, small secretory granules, and the trans-Golgi network. Small vesicles labeled by immunogold particles showing these proteinases often appeared close to the storage granules. By double immunostaining, immunogold particles indicating these proteinases were co-localized with those for PTH in storage granules. By EDTA treatment, immunoreactivity for cathepsins B and H and for PTH was notably reduced in the cells, but immunoreactivity for the proteinases was still seen in lysosomes. These results suggest that storage granules in the rat parathyroid cells fuse with small vesicles containing cathepsins B and H, which may participate in regulating the intracellular PTH levels by degrading PTH in the granules.

Random cytochrome-C-oxidase deficiency of oxyphil cell nodules in the parathyroid gland. A mitochondrial cytopathy related to cell ageing?

Cytochrome-c-oxidase (complex IV) was histochemically studied in oncocytic adenoma (n = 10) and carcinoma of the thyroid gland (n = 3), cystadenolymphomas and oncocytic adenomas of the major salivary glands (n = 9), oncocytic neoplasia of the kidney (n = 1) and in 21 parathyroid glands with primary hyperparathyroidism and adenomatous proliferation (n = 17) and secondary hyperparathyroidism with hyperplasia (n = 4). Only in the parathyroids defects of cytochrome-c-oxidase were found being expressed in all 4 glands with hyperplasia (14 defects) and in 5 of the 17 adenomas (11 defects). All defects were confined to foci with oxyphil cell differentiation, the defect areas varying from 0.09 to 21.10 sq mm in hyperplastic glands and from 0.11 to 13.88 sq mm in adenomas, the size of the oxyphil foci varying from 0.12 sq mm-105.38 sq mm. However, not every oxyphil nodule of a gland was devoid of cytochrome-c-oxidase activity. Of 6 predominantly oxyphil adenomas, 4 showed no defects. No defects were observed either in 2 adenomas without oxyphil cells. Further enzymes of the respiratory chain, succinate dehydrogenase (complex II) and ATP synthetase, (complex V) were devoid of defects. In parathyroids with hyperplasia and oxyphil areas, defects of cytochrome-c-oxidase occurred significantly more often and tended to be larger than in adenomas, statistical analysis revealing a significant correlation between the occurrence of defects and the number of oxyphil foci but not with the total oxyphil area.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Autocrine inhibition of parathyroid cell secretion requires proteolytic processing of chromogranin A

Chromogranin A (CgA, Secretory Protein-I) is a protein of about 450 amino acids representing a major soluble component of the secretory granules of parathyroid and other endocrine and neuroendocrine cells. In the parathyroid, CgA is costored and cosecreted with parathormone (PTH). We earlier found that CgA and the derived peptide, pancreastatin, inhibited secretion of PTH and CgA by parathyroid cells in culture and that CgA antiserum stimulated secretion above the maximum achieved at low (0.5 mM) Ca2+. In the present study, porcine parathyroid cells were incubated at different cell concentrations at low Ca2+. The amount of secreted CgA increased over the 6-h incubation period at 1 x 10(6) to 4 x 10(6) cells/ml, but plateaued after 3 h at 6 x 10(6) cells/ml. Secretion did not plateau when antisera were added at 3 h. Conditioned medium contained a factor or factors that blocked secretion by fresh parathyroid cells at 0.5 mM Ca2+. Pulse-chase studies revealed that 40% of the secreted CgA was processed after 6 h of chase. alpha-2-macroglobulin, an inhibitor of proteolytic processing, increased the amount of CgA in the medium by 30% at 1 h of chase and decreased the amount processed to 20% by 6 h. Other protease inhibitors similarly enhanced the amount of CgA in the medium. These data indicate that proteolytic processing of intact CgA is requisite for its autocrine inhibitory activity.

Calcium-regulated secretion of tissue plasminogen activator and parathyroid hormone from human parathyroid cells

The effects of Ca and other agents on secretion of plasminogen activator (PA) and PTH have been examined and compared, using parathyroid cells obtained from the glands of chronic renal patients. During 2 weeks culture at different [Ca], the secretory rates of PA activity and PTH were parallel; steady-state secretion over 24-h periods was maximal at 0.5-0.9 mM Ca, minimal at 1.5-2.5 mM Ca, and the [Ca] at 50% suppression was 1.1 mM. At 2.5 mM Ca, two inhibitors of cellular proteolysis, 3-methyladenine and chloroquine, stimulated secretion of both PA activity and PTH. The results indicated that secretion of PA from human parathyroid cells is regulated similarly to that of PTH. The characteristics of human parathyroid PA were also examined using human parathyroid adenoma tissue. In homogenates, the highest specific activity of PA was in microsomal fractions. The Mr of PA from tissue and from culture media was 70 kilodalton by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis followed by zymography, or by Western blotting using antisera to human tissue PA (tPA). Enzyme activity was inhibited by incubation with antisera to tPA but not to urokinase. In contrast to bovine parathyroid cells that secrete a urokinase, human parathyroids apparently contain and secrete tPA.

Parathyroid cell polarity as revealed by cytochemical localization of ATPases, alkaline phosphatase and 5'-nucleotidase

Activities of Ca2(+)-dependent ATPase, Mg2(+)-dependent ATPase, Na(+)-K(+)-dependent ATP-ase, alkaline phosphatase, and 5'-nucleotidase were demonstrated after incubation of 40-microns vibratome sections of bovine parathyroids and subsequent visualization by electron microscopy. Prior to sectioning, parathyroid tissue was fixed with 1% glutaraldehyde for localization of alkaline phosphatase, and with 2% formaldehyde and 1% glutaraldehyde for demonstration activities of ATPases and 5'-nucleotidase. The activities of the five enzymes were found at the apicolateral domain of the plasma membrane in parathyroid cells, i.e. at the site parathyroid cells face neighbouring parenchymal cells. Ca2(+)-ATPase activity was also seen on mitochondria, Golgi complex and RER. The presence of these plasma membrane associated enzymes at the apicolateral domain only indicate polarity in parathyroid cells. It further suggests that many processes including transmembrane transport take place at the apicolateral domain, the site of parathyroid cells opposing blood capillaries.

Ca2+ and calmodulin-sensitive inositol trisphosphate kinase from bovine parathyroid

A Ca2+ and calmodulin-activated inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate kinase activity was detected in both soluble and membrane fractions from bovine parathyroid glands. Ca2+ activated the soluble enzyme in the concentration range 100 nM to 1 microM, which corresponds to the Ca2+ concentration range observed in the intact cell following maximal variation in extracellular Ca2+, the principal regulator of parathyroid hormone release. The Ca2+ sensitivity of the enzyme was absolutely dependent upon calmodulin. A similar activity was detected in the membranes but could be progressively removed by repeated washing at low ionic strength. This, together with data demonstrating binding of the enzyme to the hydrophobic matrix, Phenyl-Sepharose, suggests that the association of the enzyme with the membrane is likely to involve a significant hydrophobic component. The organic base, amiloride was identified as an inhibitor of the activity, the degree of inhibition being most marked in the presence of Ca2+ and calmodulin (K0.5 approx. 0.1 mM). The Ca2+ concentration dependence of the IP3 kinase suggests that inositol 1,3,4,5 tetrakisphosphate may be a messenger in the signal transduction pathway for the feedback inhibition of PTH secretion by extracellular Ca2+.

Regulation of protein kinase C by extracellular calcium in bovine parathyroid cells

Regulation of protein kinase C in the parathyroid gland was investigated by testing the effects of phorbol ester, exogenous phospholipase C, and low and high calcium concentrations on enzyme activity. Treatment of bovine parathyroid cells with phorbol ester, which activates protein kinase C directly, and with phospholipase C, which produces diacylglycerol, an activator of protein kinase C, significantly stimulated protein kinase C activity. Both agents also enhanced the release of parathyroid hormone. Acute exposure of bovine parathyroid cells to low extracellular calcium (0.5 mM) caused a 5- to 6-fold increase in protein kinase C activity associated with the particulate fraction. In contrast, high extracellular calcium (1.75 mM and 2.5 mM) markedly decreased membrane protein kinase C activity. These data suggest that the effects of extracellular calcium on parathyroid hormone secretion are due, at least in part, to regulation of protein kinase C activity in the parathyroid-cell membrane.

Effect of phorbol myristate acetate on secretion of parathyroid hormone

The influence of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), an activator of protein kinase c, on the secretion of parathyroid hormone from collagenase-dispersed bovine parathyroid cells was tested. The cells were incubated at low (0.5 mM) or high (2.0 mM) concentrations of calcium in the medium, and the hormone secreted into the medium was measured by a radioimmunoassay that recognizes both intact and C-terminal fragments of hormone. At low calcium, the secretory rate averaged 32 +/- 3.8 ng.h-1.(10(5) cells)-1. The addition of 1.6 microM PMA did not affect secretion. At high calcium there was a significant suppression of secretion by 38% to 19.8 +/- 3 ng.h-1.(10(5) cells)-1. The addition of 1.6 microM PMA significantly stimulated hormone secretion to 35.8 +/- 8 ng.h-1.(10(5) cells)-1, a rate indistinguishable from low calcium. This stimulatory effect of PMA at high calcium was seen at PMA concentrations as low as 1.6 nM, did not occur with a biologically inactive 4 alpha-isomer of phorbol ester, and was independent of changes in cellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate levels. Examination of 32P-labeled phosphoproteins by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed acidic proteins of approximately 20,000 and 100,000 Da that were phosphorylated at low and high calcium + 1.6 microM PMA but not at high calcium alone. The protein kinase c activity associated with the membrane fraction of parathyroid cells significantly decreased 40% when the cells were incubated at high vs. low calcium. The data suggest that calcium may regulate parathyroid hormone secretion through changes in protein kinase c activity of the membrane fraction of the cell and protein phosphorylation.

Protein kinase activities in the parathyroid gland: proparathyroid hormone, parathyroid hormone and secretory protein-I as substrates for phosphorylation

We have identified two protein kinase activities in homogenates of bovine parathyroid tissue following fractionation on DEAE columns. One of these is a protein kinase C based upon its requirement for calcium and phosphatidylserine and the other one is probably M kinase. The protein kinase C phosphorylated both proparathyroid hormone and parathyroid hormone but not secretory protein-I (SP-I). Neither N [1-34] or C [35-84] terminal hormonal fragments were phosphorylated, suggesting that the structure of the intact PTH molecule is required for recognition by the enzyme. A second kinase activity behaving like M kinase was also obtained. This activity, which was not separable from a cAMP dependent kinase, was maximal with only 50 mM MgCl2 as cofactor. SP-I was readily phosphorylated by this activity but parathyroid hormone was not.

Hexokinase and adenylate kinase activities in aorta, heart muscle and skeletal muscle from uraemic rats

The effect of parathyroidectomy and/or vitamin D on the development of arterial and myocardial lesions was studied in rats with moderate uraemia. The activities of hexokinase and adenylate kinase in the aorta, myocardium and skeletal muscle were measured and the incidence of aortic calcification and muscle cell necrosis determined. There was a decreased hexokinase activity in the aorta, myocardium and skeletal muscle from uraemic rats. Adenylate kinase showed an increased activity in the same tissues. Parathyroidectomy as well as I-alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol in a dose of 3 ng/100 g b.w. normalized these activities to a great extent. This effect did not occur when 10 ng/100 g b.w. was given. Parathyroidectomy in combination with a low dose of I-alpha-OH-D3 reduced the incidence of myocardial necrosis. Aortic calcifications were found in uraemic animals given 10 ng/100 g b.w. of I-alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol. In this group increased activity of adenylate kinase was found in calcified aortae but not in non-calcified aortae. The study shows that uraemia causes metabolic changes in the aorta, myocardium, and skeletal muscle which may partly be prevented by parathyroidectomy and by low doses of vitamin D. It also indicates some parallelism between these metabolic changes and the development of histologically demonstrable lesions in the aorta.

WR-2721 inhibits parathyroid adenylate cyclase

WR-2721 [S-2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethylphosphorothioic acid] is a chemoprotective and radioprotective agent that has been shown to lower serum calcium in dogs and in humans. This is secondary both to impaired release of Ca2+ from bone and diminished secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) from parathyroid glands. Because cAMP plays a role in the regulation of PTH secretion and WR-2721 has been shown to lower cAMP levels in radiated mouse spleen, we investigated the effects of WR-2721 on cAMP production in dispersed bovine parathyroid cells. Additionally, we studied the adenylate cyclase in plasma membranes from normal bovine parathyroid glands after exposure to WR-2721. With parathyroid cells incubated at 0.5 mM Ca2+, addition of WR-2721 in concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 2.0 mM resulted in a progressive decrease in intracellular cAMP (42-50%, respectively). In plasma membranes of bovine parathyroid cells a dose-dependent decrease in adenylate cyclase activity was noted. Inhibition of the cyclase was seen over a wide range of Mg2+ concentrations (2.5-40 mM). WR-2721 inhibited both basal and NaF, Gpp(NH)p, forskolin, and pertussin toxin-stimulated adenylate cyclase. These data suggest that WR-2721 inhibits the activity of parathyroid adenylate cyclase.

S-100 protein and neuron-specific enolase in parathyroid glands and C-cells of the thyroid

Normal parathyroid glands and parafollicular cells (C-cells) of man, rat and rabbit, and also human parathyroid adenomas and medullary carcinomas were investigated for the presence of S-100 protein and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). For determination of the proteins immunoperoxidase methods were applied, i.e., the PAP method and the avidin-biotin system. The antisera, of polyclonal origin, were specifically directed against cow S-100 protein and rat or bovine NSE. The respective antisera are known to crossreact with S-100 protein from man, rat, and rabbit, as well as with NSE from man and rat. Surprisingly, the test for S-100 protein was found to be strongly positive in the parathyroid glands of rat and rabbit and was focally positive in normal and adenomatous human parathyroid glands, but completely negative in C-cells and medullary carcinoma cells. NSE was present in C-cells of rat and man, and in medullary carcinoma cells, but was absent in normal and adenomatous parathyroid cells. The results support data that indicate that both parathyroid cells and C-cells are derived from elements of the neural crest, but undergo different maturation processes during embryological development.

Calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase in hyperplastic human parathyroid glands

The function of the parathyroid gland is closely linked to intracellular and extracellular Ca2+ concentrations. As a step toward understanding the mechanism of action of Ca2+ on the parathyroid, we examined hyperplastic human parathyroid tissue for Ca2+ and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase activity. In parathyroid homogenates, Ca2+ stimulates the phosphorylation of substrate protein in the presence of calmodulin or phospholipid. The calmodulin (CaM)-stimulated activity is present in a soluble fraction of parathyroid and can be separated from other protein kinase activities by gel filtration chromatography. The concentration dependence of CaM kinase on Ca2+ and CaM was determined using the gel filtration. The Ka values for CaM and calcium were 100 nM and 5 microM, respectively. The fraction containing the CaM kinase activity had a calculated mol wt of 5.5 X 10(5). It contained a protein with a mol wt of 4.9 X 10(4) whose phosphorylation was Ca2+ CaM dependent and a CaM-binding protein of mol wt 4.9 X 10(4) which we suggest may be the catalytic subunit of a type II Ca2+-CaM dependent protein kinase. Hyperplastic human parathyroid tissue contains a type II Ca2+-CaM dependent protein kinase which may serve an important function in Ca2+-directed metabolism.

The high affinity calcium inhibition of parathyroid adenylate cyclase is not calmodulin dependent

To investigate the possible role of calmodulin in the calcium sensitivity of parathyroid adenylate cyclase (AC), the effect of the calmodulin inhibitor trifluoperazine hydrochloride (TFP) on the calcium sensitivity of forskolin-stimulated AC activity was investigated in membranes prepared from normal porcine parathyroid glands. TFP inhibited AC in a concentration-dependent manner, the IC50 being approximately 100 microM. The inhibition of the enzyme occurred at roughly the same concentration of TFP in the presence and absence of calcium. Another calmodulin inhibitor, N-(6-aminohexyl)-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide (W-7), also inhibited AC in a calcium-independent manner with a IC50 of approximately 200 microM. The pattern of calcium inhibition of AC was compared in membranes prewashed with either EGTA or 2 microM ionic calcium plus 100 microM TFP in an attempt to remove endogenous calmodulin. Neither treatment significantly altered the apparent affinities of the two previously reported calcium inhibition sites, nor did they alter the relative contribution of the individual calcium inhibition sites to the overall calcium inhibition. Inclusion of 100 microM TFP in the incubation mixture resulted in no change in the apparent affinities of the calcium inhibition site although it did result in a significant decrease in the relative contribution of the high affinity site (P less than 0.05). Addition of exogenous calmodulin (5-50 micrograms/ml) had no significant effect on AC. We conclude from these studies that the inhibition of parathyroid AC by calcium is independent of calmodulin and that this enzyme has intrinsic high sensitivity to calcium.

Presence of neuron-specific enolase and somatostatin in human parathyroid tissues

The association of parathyroid abnormalities with apudomas prompted us to examine parathyroid tissues for the presence of neuron-specific enolase and somatostatin. Enolase was present in extracts of 29 out of 29 parathyroid specimens; tissue content was significantly higher in adenoma than in hyperplasia tissues (p less than 0.005). Somatostatin was present in 14 of 33 specimens. Immunoreactive somatostatin measured in tissue extracts' fluids coeluted on Sephacryl chromatography along with synthetic somatostatin-14 in studies of two parathyroid carcinoma specimens. Since neuron-specific enolase has been found only in neural and neuroendocrine cells, our results suggest that human parathyroid glands may contain neuroendocrine elements. The differential content of neuron-specific enolase in adenoma versus hyperplasia specimens may be diagnostically useful in selected cases. The significance of the presence of somatostatin in some but not all parathyroid tumors requires further investigation. Taken together with our prior findings of gastrin and pancreatic polypeptide in some human parathyroid glands, we postulate that human parathyroid tumors contain neural crest elements.

Effects of aluminum on bovine parathyroid adenylate cyclase

It is known that the secretion of PTH is often impaired in association with aluminum (Al3+) accumulation in patients with renal failure. The mechanisms involved remain ill defined. Since adenylate cyclase plays a role in the regulation of PTH secretion, these studies examine the effects of Al3+ on parathyroid adenylate cyclase. In membranes from normal bovine parathyroid glands, basal adenylate cyclase activity, in the presence of 0.2 mM ATP and 20 mM Mg2+, increased by 22% as Al3+ was raised from 0-10 microM. Higher Al3+ concentrations caused a progressive decrease in adenylate cyclase activity, reaching 68% inhibition of control activity at 2 mM Al3+. Since adenylate cyclase activation is influenced by the interaction of multiple sites within the adenylate cyclase complex, the nature of the inhibition by Al3+ was explored by examining the interaction of Al3+ with substrate ATP and with Mg2+, an allosteric activating metal ion. In the presence of 20 mM Mg2+, Al3+ concentrations of 1-2 mM resulted in noncompetitive inhibition with respect to ATP [decrease in maximum velocity (Vmax) from 4176 in the absence of Al3+ to 1106 pmol cAMP/mg protein X 15 min; Michaelis Menten constant (Km) for ATP was unchanged]. In contrast, at fixed ATP (0.2 mM), 0.5 mM resulted in competitive inhibition of adenylate cyclase with respect to Mg2+, whereas at higher Al3+ concentrations the inhibition was noncompetitive. When Mg2+ was replaced by Mn2+ (enzyme activity reflects the activity of the catalytic unit), the inhibitory effect of Al3+ on adenylate cyclase activity was abolished. These data suggest that the inhibition of parathyroid adenylate cyclase by Al3+ occurs at the level of the allosteric metal activating site. These data provide a potential mechanism for the inhibition of PTH secretion by Al3+.

Effects of short-term treatment with calcium on the parathyroid gland of the rat, under particular consideration of the alteration of storage granules

Short-term effects of CaCl2-treatment on parathyroid cells of the rat, especially on their storage granules, were studied at the ultrastructural level. After an injection of 4% CaCl2, serum calcium levels (SCL) rapidly increased from 9.1 mg/dl (controls) to a maximum of 14.9 mg/dl at 20 min. At 5 min after the injection, the number of type-I storage granules (large core) [NSG-I] and that of type-II storage granules (small core) [NSG-II] remained unchanged, in spite of elevated SCL (12.4 mg/dl). As soon as SCL rose to 13.2 mg/dl at 7.5 min, NSG-I gradually decreased to a minimum at 30 min; in contrast, NSG-II gradually increased to a maximum at 30 min. Vacuolar bodies also increased together with the augmentation of type-II storage granules. The average diameter of the core of the storage granules decreased significantly after the injection. Protein A-gold method for immunocytochemistry showed that the cores of these granules contain parathormone. Acid-phosphatase activity was occasionally found in storage granules of both types, especially in those of type II. It is concluded that type-I storage granules may be transformed into vacuolar bodies via type-II granules as a result of hydrolysis, and that these processes may be accelerated during hypercalcemia.

The effects of magnesium on calcium inhibition of parathyroid adenylate cyclase

cAMP has been shown to mediate the response of the parathyroid gland to a number of agonists and appears to take part in the regulation of this gland by divalent cations as well. We have studied the effects of the concentrations of free magnesium (Mg+2) and ionic calcium (Ca+2) on the kinetic properties of normal porcine parathyroid adenylate cyclase. In a previous study we obtained evidence for two calcium inhibition sites in this enzyme complex. In the present study we observed that the Mg+2 concentration influences the relative contribution of these sites to the overall calcium inhibition. At a high Mg+2 concentration (10 mM), the high affinity site contributes less than 50% of the total calcium inhibitable activity, whereas at a Mg+2 concentration in the low physiological range (0.5 mM), the high affinity site accounts for all the calcium inhibitable activity. Mg+2 was found to be a potent activator of porcine parathyroid adenylate cyclase, with a Ka of Mg of 0.8-2 mM. Ionic calcium at low concentrations (0.2-5 microM) acts as a competitive inhibitor with respect to Mg+2 activation. The calcium inhibition constant was estimated to be 2-3 microM. The Km for ATPMg-2 was 0.3 mM, which is similar to that found in other studies of adenylate cyclase activity in parathyroid tissue. The effects of Ca+2 on enzymatic activity with respect to the ATPMg-2 concentration showed noncompetitive inhibition. The calcium inhibition constant with respect to its effect on Vmax (KIv) was 3 microM; the calcium inhibition constant with respect to its effect on the binding of ATPMg-2 (KIs) was 10 microM. It is concluded from these results that the concentrations of intracellular Ca+2 reported to be present in parathyroid cells could inhibit adenylate cyclase activity. The mode of calcium inhibition that involves competition with magnesium would be particularly significant at low intracellular Mg+2 concentrations, and this phenomenon may account for the parathyroid secretory defect which is a characteristic feature of the magnesium-deficient state.

Biochemical and morphological characterization of a plasma membrane-enriched fraction from bovine parathyroid cells

A fraction of enriched plasma membranes from bovine parathyroid cells has been prepared by differential centrifugation. Biochemical characterization shows that this fraction has a specific activity enrichment of 7.2-fold in ouabain-sensitive Na+-K+ ATPase, and 3.5-fold in 5'-nucleotidase. Less than 4% of the total mitochondria and lysosomes are present within the plasma membranes, while microsomal contamination accounts for 14% of total specific activity. Parathyroid hormone radioimmunoassay also reveals the presence of some secretory granules within the plasma membrane fraction. The characteristic morphological aspect of the unusual surface membrane is shown by freeze-fracture electron microscopy. In the enriched pellets, vesicles identified as having a plasma membrane origin have variable sizes, and 50% show an inside-out conformation. Even though the plasma membrane fraction described herein is not absolutely free from contamination by other subcellular components, this protocol represents the first attempt to purify surface membrane from parathyroid tissue and provide the starting material for understanding, at a molecular level, the properties of extracellular Ca2+ regulation and its coupling with secretion of parathyroid hormone.

Calcium inhibition of parathyroid adenylate cyclase

Parathyroid adenylate cyclase activity has previously been reported to be inhibited by calcium. However, the concentrations of calcium required to inhibit this enzyme were, in most instances, several orders of magnitude higher than cytoplasmic calcium concentrations. We undertook this study to determine the effects of calcium at submicromolar, as well as higher concentrations on parathyroid adenylate cyclase activity. A partially purified membrane fraction was obtained from normal porcine parathyroid glands using buffers free of divalent cation chelators. Relatively high concentrations of EGTA were then used in the incubation mixture to achieve the desired low ionic calcium concentrations. Addition of 0.5 mM EGTA to the reaction mixture resulted in an approximate 30% increase in basal adenylate cyclase activity and a similar percentage increase in the activity measured in the presence of guanosine triphosphate or NaF, known activators of parathyroid adenylate cyclase. EGTA also stimulated the activity measured in the presence of forskolin, which itself markedly stimulated this enzyme in a concentration-dependent manner. The effects of calcium added in amounts calculated to achieve ionic concentrations of 0.5 X 10(-7) M to 1 X 10(-3) M on the forskolin-activated enzyme activity was investigated. The resultant calcium inhibition curve was found to be stepwise in appearance. Analysis of the data using a mathematical model which assumes multiple, independent calcium-binding sites indicated the presence of two inhibitory sites. One had a high affinity for calcium, Kdiss 0.4-1.5 X 10(-6) M. This site accounted for 50-70% of the calcium-inhibitable activity. The second had a considerably lower affinity, Kdiss = 1.0-5.0 X 10(-4) M. Similar affinities were obtained from experiments in which guanosine triphosphate was used to activate the enzyme instead of forskolin. It is suggested that the high affinity calcium-binding site may be involved in the physiological regulation of parathyroid adenylate cyclase activity and that the previously reported estimates of the calcium sensitivity of parathyroid adenylate cyclase represent composites of the high and low affinity calcium-inhibitable processes.

Ca-ATPase activity in bovine parathyroid cells

Ca-ATPase is thought to function as a calcium extrusion pump that may regulate cytosolic calcium concentration. Because the parathyroid gland is among the few tissues that are directly regulated by extracellular calcium and because cytosolic calcium may be a mediator of the effects of extracellular calcium on parathyroid hormone secretion, we have investigated the presence of this enzyme in homogenates of parathyroid cells. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify the formation of ADP from ATP following incubation of ATP with cellular homogenate in a buffer containing ethylenedioxy- (diethylenedinitrilo) tetra acetic acid (EGTA), ouabain, and calcium. Enzyme activity was calcium-dependent, with Ca-ATPase showing two Km (Ca) values, 31 and 853 nM. High affinity Ca-ATPase activity was reduced by the calmodulin inhibitor, trifluoperazine (TFP), with half-maximal inhibition occurring at 7 X 10(-5) M. Monovalent cations stimulated high affinity Ca-ATPase activity (K+ greater than Na+ greater than Rb+ greater than Li+) in the presence of calcium. Magnesium (0.8 mM) also stimulated cleavage of ATP. Sodium increased Ca-dependent ATPase activity by 82% but had no significant effect on Mg-stimulated activity. Furthermore, azide, an inhibitor of mitochondrial ATPase(s), had a significantly greater inhibitory effect on Mg-dependent than on Ca-dependent activity. In summary, a high affinity Ca-ATPase is present in bovine parathyroid cells which has a Km in the range of the cytosolic calcium concentration that is found in other cells. Ca-ATPase(s) may be of importance in regulating the cytosolic calcium concentration and, therefore, hormonal secretion in this cell type.

Cleavage of parathyroid hormone to the 1-34 and 35-84 fragments by cathepsin D-like activity in bovine parathyroid gland extracts

We have obtained a crude enzyme preparation from bovine parathyroid gland homogenates which when incubated with PTH, cleaves the hormone into two major fragments. Isolation and chemical analysis has led to the identification of these peptides, the 1-34 fragment and the 35-84 fragment. Digestion of PTH was totally inhibited by the inclusion of the cathepsin D inhibitor, pepstatin, in the enzyme digest. A comparison of the digest obtained using the crude enzyme fraction vs. digestion of PTH by purified bovine cathepsin D led to the findings that the same peptide products were formed in each case. The natural 1-34 hormone fragment derived from the procedure has been determined to be fully biologically active in a bone resorption system.

Origin of autonomic nerve fibers innervating the parathyroid gland in the rabbit

The cells of origin of nerve fibers innervating the parathyroid gland were studied in the rabbit using the HRP-retrograde transport method. Numerous labeled neurons were observed in the caudal half of the ipsilateral superior cervical ganglion following HRP injection into the parathyroid gland. Furthermore, in the medulla oblongata, labeled neurons were found in the dorsal nucleus of the vagus and many of them were distributed caudal to the level of the obex.

Adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate-dependent protein kinase in supernatants from dispersed bovine parathyroid cells

The presence and characteristics of protein kinase(s) were studied in supernatants of sonicates of dispersed bovine parathyroid cells. cAMP caused a 3- to 5-fold stimulation of protein kinase activity in such extracts, with half of the maximal activation at 4--5 x 10(-8) M cAMP. Protein kinase inhibitor nearly totally abolished both basal and cAMP-stimulated activity, suggesting that most of the activity was cAMP dependent. About 90% of the cAMP-stimulated protein kinase activity eluted from a DEAE-cellulose column at 0.15 m NaCl, consistent with a type II enzyme. The presence of a type II enzyme was also supported by the effects of histone and salt concentrations on enzyme activity; both the basal and cAMP-stimulated activity ratios (activity minus cAMP divided by activity plus 10(-6) M cAMP) were stable in 0.4 M NaCl. The basal activity ratio was not increased by concentrations of histone as high as 10 mg/ml in the protein kinase assay. The predominance of the type II enzyme in dispersed bovine parathyroid cells made it possible to develop conditions for extracting the enzyme from intact intact cells (0.4 m NaCl and 5 mg/ml charcoal), whereby the state of activation of the enzyme remained relatively constant. These studies demonstrate the presence of cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity in dispersed bovine parathyroid cells and define conditions which make it possible to assess the effects of various secretagogues on protein kinase activation in intact parathyroid cells.

Adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase and the regulation of parathyroid hormone release by divalent cations and agents elevating cellular cAMP in dispersed bovine parathyroid cells

Divalent cations and agents elevating cellular cAMP were tested for their effects on parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion and protein kinase activity in dispersed bovine parathyroid cells. After incubation with secretagogue for 5-30 min, cells were sedimented, PTH in the supernatant was determined by RIA, and the pellet was disrupted by sonication for the measurement of protein kinase activity. Preliminary studies established conditions where the protein kinase activity ratio (AR = activity in the absence divided by that in the presence of 10(-6) M cAMP in the kinase assay) remained stable during the preparation and assay of cellular extracts. (-)Isoproterenol caused a rapid (within 5 min) increase in the AR from 0.28 to 0.63, which returned to 0.25-0.3 within 5 min after the addition of the potent beta-adrenergic blocker (-)propranolol. (-)Isoproterenol, dopamine, and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor methylisobutylxanthine caused parallel, dose-dependent increases in PTH release and the protein kinase AR of 2- to 2.5-fold. Calcium and magnesium, on the other hand, despite causing 2- to 4-fold inhibition of secretion at 2 and 5 mM, respectively, had no effect on the AR. Calcium (2.0 mM) likewise had only a modest (0-25%) inhibitory effect on the isoproterenol-stimulated increase in the AR in spite of a 3- to 4-fold inhibition of agonist-stimulated secretion. These results suggest that the stimulation of secretion associated with agents that elevate cAMP is mediated by cAMP. Changes in the degree of activation of protein kinase, on the other hand, cannot quantitatively for the effects of divalent cations on basal or agonist-stimulated secretion.

Adenylate cyclase activity in human parathyroid tissues: reduced sensitivity to suppression by calcium in parathyroid adenomas as compared with normal glands form normocalcemic subjects or noninvolved glands from hyperparathyroid subjects

To examine whether alterations in parathyroid adenylate cyclase might be associated with glandular hyperfunction, we compared enzyme activity in membranes from 7 normal glands with activity from 18 abnormal and 5 noninvolved glands from patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Compared with the normal glands, the specific enzyme activity after full stimulation with guanyl-5'yl imidodiphosphate was significantly decreased in both hyperplastic and noninvolved glands from the hyperparathyroid subjects. While the enzyme activity of all tissues could be suppressed by calcium, a twofold higher calcium concentration was required for comparable suppression of the enzyme from adenomas as compared with normal or noninvolved glands. Alterations in the adenylate cyclase complex of hyperplastic parathyroid glands may explain, in part, the elevated "set point" for calcium homeostasis in primary hyperparathyroidism.