Calcium-receptor-regulated parathyroid and renal function

Hepatic biotransformation of the new calcium-mimetic agent, RWJ-68025, in the rat and in man--API-MS/MS identification of metabolites

The in-vitro biotransformation of a new calcium-mimetic agent and benzenemethanamine analogue, RWJ-68025, was studied after incubation with rat and human hepatic S9 fractions in the presence of an NADPH-generating system. Unchanged RWJ-68025 (44-48% of the sample) plus 12 metabolites were profiled, quantified, and tentatively identified on the basis of API (ionspray)-MS and MS/MS data, and ethyl derivatization for phenolic and carboxylic metabolites. Four metabolic pathways for RWJ-68025 were proposed: pathway 1, O-demethylation; pathway 2, phenyl oxidation; pathway 3, methyl oxidation; and pathway 4, N-dealkylation/acetylation. Pathway 1 formed a major metabolite, O-desmethyl-RWJ-68025 (M1; RWJ-68311; 26% in rat; 16% in human fraction). Pathway 2 produced one major (M2; 12-17% in rat and human fraction) and two minor phenolic metabolites (M4 and M5; all <1% in both species), and in conjunction with step 1, formed hydroxy-M1 (M3; 4-5% in both species). Pathways 3 and 4 formed seven minor oxidized metabolites (M6-M12). RWJ-68025 was extensively metabolized in the rat and human hepatic S9 fractions.

Expression of calcium-sensing receptor in rat colonic epithelium: evidence for modulation of fluid secretion

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is activated by extracellular calcium (Ca2+(o)) and mediates many of the known effects of extracellular divalent minerals on body cells. Both surface and crypt cells express CaSR transcripts and protein on both apical and basolateral surfaces. Raising Ca2+(o) elicited increases in intracellular calcium (Ca2+(o)) in both surface and crypt cells with an EC50 of 2 mM. The Ca-induced increase in Ca2+(i) was associated with increases in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and eliminated by U-73129, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C, as well as by thapsigargin. Other CaSR agonists, Gd3+ and neomycin, mimicked these Ca2+(o)-induced responses. Both luminal and bath Ca2+(o), Gd3+, and neomycin induced increases in Ca2+(i) in isolated perfused crypts. The stimulatory effect of forskolin on net fluid secretion in perfused crypts was abolished by increasing Ca2+(o) in either luminal or bath perfusates. Thus both apical and basolateral CaSR on crypt cells are functional and provide pathways modulating net intestinal fluid transport that may have important implications for the prevention and treatment of certain diarrheal diseases associated with elevated cAMP.

G protein-coupled receptors: dominant players in cell-cell communication

The G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the most numerous and the most diverse type of receptors (1-5% of the complete invertebrate and vertebrate genomes). They transduce messages as different as odorants, nucleotides, nucleosides, peptides, lipids, and proteins. There are at least eight families of GPCRs that show no sequence similarities and that use different domains to bind ligands and activate a similar set of G proteins. Homo- and heterodimerization of GPCRs seem to be the rule, and in some cases an absolute requirement, for activation. There are about 100 orphan GPCRs in the human genome which will be used to find new message molecules. Mutations of GPCRs are responsible for a wide range of genetic diseases. The importance of GPCRs in physiological processes is illustrated by the fact that they are the target of the majority of therapeutical drugs and drugs of abuse.

Lack of association between calcium-sensing receptor gene "A986S" polymorphism and bone mineral density in Hungarian postmenopausal women

Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is an attractive candidate gene for osteoporosis susceptibility. The CaSR "A986S" genotype has been shown to have an effect on serum calcium. Recently, an association has been reported between the CaSR gene A986S polymorphism and bone mineral density in healthy white girls. In this study, we examined whether CaSR gene A986S polymorphism is associated with decreased bone mass in 230 Hungarian postmenopausal women. From this cohort, 108 osteoporotic patients were compared with 122 healthy control women. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the lumbar spine (L2-4) and femoral neck using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Allele-specific polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify A986S polymorphisms of the CaSR gene. We found no difference in the distribution of different alleles or genotypes between groups (p = 0.762). No significant effect of CaSR genotype on BMD was observed either in the whole population or in the subgroups. Our data do not support the idea that CaSR gene A986S polymorphism has an impact on bone mass.

The calcimimetic agents: perspectives for treatment

Recognition of the role of the extracellular calcium sensing receptor (CaR) in mineral metabolism has greatly improved our understanding of calcium homeostasis. The biology of the low affinity, G-protein-coupled CaR and the effects of its activation in various tissues are reviewed. Physiological roles include regulation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion by small changes in ionized calcium (Ca++), and control of urinary calcium excretion with small changes in blood Ca++. The CaR also affects the renal handling of sodium, magnesium, and water. Mutations affecting the CaR that make it either less or more sensitive to Ca++ cause various clinical disorders. Disorders, such as primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism, may exhibit acquired abnormalities of the CaR. Calcimimetic drugs, which amplify the sensitivity of the CaR to Ca++, can suppress PTH levels with a resultant fall in blood Ca++. Experiences with R-568 in patients with secondary and primary hyperparathyroidism and parathyroid carcinoma are summarized. In humans with hyperparathyroidism, these agents produce a dose-dependent fall in PTH and blood Ca++, with larger doses causing more sustained effects. The second generation calcimimetic, AMG 073, with a better pharmacokinetic profile appears to be an effective and safe treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism, producing suppression of PTH levels with a simultaneous reduction in serum phosphorus levels and the calcium X phosphorus product. The advantage of controlling PTH secretion without the complications related to hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and increased calcium X phosphorus product is very promising. Treatment trials have been relatively short-term except for one patient treated with R-568 for more than 600 days for parathyroid carcinoma; nonetheless the drug had no major side effects and appeared to be safe. Further long-term controlled studies are underway to further confirm the effectiveness and safety of these compounds.

Localization of the extracellular Ca(2+)-sensing receptor in the human placenta

We have demonstrated using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization that the calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) is expressed in both villous and extravillous regions of the human placenta. CaR expression was detected in both first trimester and term placentas. In the villous region of the placenta, the CaR was detected in syncytiotrophoblasts and at lower levels in cytotrophoblasts. Local expression of the CaR in the brush border of syncytiotrophoblasts suggests a role for maternal Ca(2+) concentration in the control of transepithelial transport between the mother and fetus. In the extravillous region of the placenta, the CaR was detected in cells forming trophoblast columns in anchoring villi, in close proximity to maternal blood vessels and in transitional cytotrophoblasts. Given the importance of extravillous cytotrophoblasts in the process of uterine invasion and maintenance of placental immune privilege, the CaR represents a possible target by which the maternal extracellular Ca(2+) concentration could promote or maintain placentation. Thus, the results support hypotheses that the CaR contributes to the local control of transplacental calcium transport and to the regulation of placental development.

The extracellular Ca2+-sensing receptor: central mediator of systemic calcium homeostasis

The cloning of the G protein-coupled, extracellular calcium (Ca(2+)o)-sensing receptor (CaR) has identified a central mediator of the mechanism governing systemic Ca(2+)o homeostasis. This system enables organisms to adapt successfully to wide variations in dietary Ca(2+)o intake while maintaining near constancy of Ca(2+)o. Whereas discussions of Ca(2+)o homeostasis have generally focused on the key role of Ca(2+)o-elicited changes in parathyroid hormone secretion, the presence of the CaRs in effector tissues of this system enables direct regulation of processes (e.g. renal tubular Ca(2+) reabsorption and possibly bone formation and resorption) that add additional layers of homeostatic control. As we understand more about how the CaR regulates these tissues, we may find that it participates in other processes relevant to mineral ion homeostasis, including the control of the 1-hydroxylation and activation of vitamin D3 or reabsorption of phosphate in the renal proximal tubule. Regardless, the remarkable sensitivity of the CaR to small changes in Ca(2+)o allows adjustments in the response of the Ca(2+)o homeostatic system to increases or decreases in the intake of dietary Ca(2+), for instance, that cause barely detectable alterations in Ca(2+)o. Furthermore, the CaR likely participates in coordinating interactions among several different homeostatic control systems (including those for water, Mg(2+)o, Na(+), extracellular volume, and/or blood pressure), despite the fact that these systems are often considered to function largely independently of mineral ion metabolism.

Association between total serum calcium and the A986S polymorphism of the calcium-sensing receptor gene

Serum calcium is under tight physiological control, but it is also a quantitative trait with substantial genetic regulation. Mutations of the CASR gene cause familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia or autosomal dominant hypoparathyroidism, depending on whether they decrease or increase, respectively, ligand binding to the receptor protein. We described an association between ionized calcium and a common polymorphism (A986S) found in the cytoplasmic tail of this G protein-coupled receptor. We report here on an independent study of 387 healthy young women. Genotyping was performed by allele-specific amplification and serum chemistries were measured by automated clinical assay. Frequencies of SS, AS, and AA genotypes were 6, 107, and 274, respectively, yielding a 986S allele frequency of 15.4%. Mean total serum calcium (Ca(T)) was significantly higher in the SS (9.88 +/- 0.29 mg/dL, P = 0.015) and AS groups (9.45 +/- 0.05 mg/dL, P = 0.002), than in the AA group (9.23 +/- 0.04 mg/dL). In multiple regression modeling, the A986S genotype remained an independently significant predictor of Ca(T) (P < 0.0001) when serum albumin, globulin, inorganic phosphate, and creatinine covariates were included. These data are the first to show significant association between a common polymorphism and concentrations of a serum electrolyte. The A986S polymorphism is also a potential predisposing factor in disorders of bone and mineral metabolism.

Three-dimensional model of the extracellular domain of the type 4a metabotropic glutamate receptor: new insights into the activation process

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) belong to the family 3 of G-protein-coupled receptors. On these proteins, agonist binding on the extracellular domain leads to conformational changes in the 7-transmembrane domains required for G-protein activation. To elucidate the structural features that might be responsible for such an activation mechanism, we have generated models of the amino terminal domain (ATD) of type 4 mGluR (mGlu4R). The fold recognition search allowed the identification of three hits with a low sequence identity, but with high secondary structure conservation: leucine isoleucine valine-binding protein (LIVBP) and leucine-binding protein (LBP) as already known, and acetamide-binding protein (AmiC). These proteins are characterized by a bilobate structure in an open state for LIVBP/LBP and a closed state for AmiC, with ligand binding in the cleft. Models for both open and closed forms of mGlu4R ATD have been generated. ACPT-I (1-aminocyclopentane 1,3,4-tricarboxylic acid), a selective agonist, has been docked in the two models. In the open form, ACPT-I is only bound to lobe I through interactions with Lys74, Arg78, Ser159, and Thr182. In the closed form, ACPT-I is trapped between both lobes with additional binding to Tyr230, Asp312, Ser313, and Lys317 from lobe II. These results support the hypothesis that mGluR agonists bind a closed form of the ATDs, suggesting that such a conformation of the binding domain corresponds to the active conformation.

Integral rein control in physiology II: a general model

We generalize the principle of integral rein control to include other systems which partition in such a way that the equilibrium values of some variables are not dependent on the equations governing those variables. Instead, they are determined by the dynamics of other, "regulator" variables. We improve our earlier model for the control of glucose by insulin and glucagon by relaxing the condition necessary for it to operate. The two hormones do not have to be inhibited in the same way; they need only respond to the same combination of their concentrations. We also present a model for the control of ionized calcium by PTH and calcitonin and suggest that the role of chromogranin A may be to stabilize an otherwise unstable system.

Chloride secretion in kidney distal epithelial cells (A6) evoked by cadmium

The effect of Cd(2+) on chloride secretion was examined in A6 renal epithelia cells by chloride-sensitive fluorescence (SPQ probe) and by the short-circuit-current (I(sc)) technique. Depleting the cells of Cl(-) suggests that the Cd(2+)-activated I(sc) (DeltaI(sc(Cd))) is dependent on the presence of Cl(-) ions. Among the Cl(-)-channel inhibitors the fenemates, flufenamic acid (FFA) and niflumic acid (NFA), and 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoate (NPPB) significantly lowered DeltaI(sc(Cd)) compared with control level. In SPQ-loaded A6 cells, Cd(2+) evoked an increase in Cl(-) secretion ([DeltaCl(-)](Cd)), which significantly exceeded the basal Cl(-) transport and was blockable by FFA and NFA. The closely related metals, Zn(2+) or Ni(2+), were also able to activate Cl(-) secretion. Preexposure of Zn(2+) or Ni(2+) completely prevented [DeltaCl(-)](Cd), suggesting that Zn(2+) and Ni(2+) probably use similar mechanisms. Like Cd(2+), thapsigargin (TG), an inhibitor of intracellular Ca(2+)-ATPase and the Ca(2+)-ionophore A23187, induced an increase in I(sc). Moreover, TG and Cd(2+) were able to neutralize the responses of the counterparts as also observed in I(sc) measurements, which indicates that Cd(2+) activates Cl(-) secretion in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. Hence, this study supports the idea that basolateral Cd(2+) (possibly also Zn(2+) and Ni(2+)), probably through a Ca(2+)-sensing receptor, causes calcium mobilization that activates apical fenemate-sensitive chloride channels leading to chloride secretion in A6 cells.

Calcimimetic agents and the calcium-sensing receptor

Blood ionized extracellular calcium is closely regulated. To accomplish this, a hormone-like receptor that is responsive to extracellular ionized calcium regulates both the secretion of parathyroid hormone and the excretion of urinary calcium (as well as other cellular processes). Several hereditary disorders have mutations that cause either loss or gain of function of the calcium-sensing receptor, and alterations of the calcium-sensing receptor may play a role in both primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Calcimimetics are agents that act to make the calcium-sensing receptor more sensitive to extracellular ionized calcium; thereby they suppress the secretion of parathyroid hormone. Early trials in animal models of secondary hyperparathyroidism and in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism or with uremic secondary hyperparathyroidism have shown that the first generation calcimimetic, R-568, effectively lowers parathyroid hormone levels and is well tolerated.

A detailed assessment of alterations in bone turnover, calcium homeostasis, and bone density in normal pregnancy

The effects of pregnancy on bone turnover and the potential risk of developing an osteoporotic fracture in pregnancy are controversial. Utilizing biochemical markers of bone formation and resorption and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), bone turnover before, during, and after pregnancy was studied in detail. Ten women (mean age 30 years; range 23-40) were recruited. Prepregnancy data were obtained and then a review was performed at 2-week intervals , once pregnancy was confirmed, until 14 weeks of gestation and thereafter monthly until term. Bone mineral density (BMD) was estimated by DEXA scanning of hip, spine, and forearm preconception and postpartum. In addition, BMD of the forearm at 14 weeks and 28 weeks gestation was obtained. All pregnancies had a successful outcome. Urinary free pyridinium cross-links, free pyridinoline (fPyr) and free deoxypyridinoline (fDPyr), were normal prepregnancy (mean [+/-SD]) 14.6 nmol/mmol (1.8) and 5.0 nmol/mmol (1.0) creat, respectively. By 14 weeks, they had increased to 20.8 nmol/mmol (4.3) and 6.1 nmol mmol (1.4) (both p < 0.02) and by 28 weeks to 26.3 nmol/mmol (5.6) and 7.4 nmol/mmol (1.6) (both p < 0.01). The ratio of fPyr to fDPyr remained constant. A similar significant increase was observed in N-telopeptide (NTx). Bone formation was assessed by measurement of carboxyterminal propeptide of type 1 collagen (P1CP) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP). Neither were altered significantly before 28 weeks, but subsequently mean P1CP increased from 110 microg/liter (23) to 235 microg/liter (84) at 38 weeks and mean BSAP increased from 11.1 U/liter (5.0) to 28.6 U/liter (11.1) (p < 0.01 for both variables). Lumbar spine (L1-L4) BMD decreased from a prepregnancy mean of 1.075 g/cm (0.115) to 1.054 g/cm2 (0.150) postpartum (p < 0.05). Total hip BMD decreased from a prepregnancy mean of 0.976 g/cm2 (0.089) to 0.941 g/cm2 (0.097) (p < 0.05). Forearm BMD at midradius, one-third distal and ultradistal decreased but did not reach statistical significance. As assessed by these bone markers, in the first 2 trimesters of pregnancy, bone remodeling is uncoupled with a marked increase in bone resorption. A corresponding increase in formation markers is not observed until the third trimester. Spinal BMD exhibits a significant decrease from prepregnancy to the immediate postpartum period with a mean reduction in BMD of 3.5 % in 9 months.

Ca(2+) requirement for high-affinity gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) binding at GABA(B) receptors: involvement of serine 269 of the GABA(B)R1 subunit

The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor type B (GABA(B)R) is constituted of at least two homologous proteins, GABA(B)R1 and GABA(B)R2. These proteins share sequence and structural similarity with metabotropic glutamate and Ca(2+)-sensing receptors, both of which are sensitive to Ca(2+). Using rat brain membranes, we report here that the affinity of GABA and 3-aminopropylphosphinic acid for the GABA(B)R receptor is decreased by a factor >10 in the absence of Ca(2+). Such a large effect of Ca(2+) is not observed with baclofen or the antagonists CGP64213 and CGP56999A. In contrast to baclofen, the potency of GABA in stimulating GTPgammaS binding in rat brain membranes is also decreased by a factor >10 upon Ca(2+) removal. The potency for Ca(2+) in regulating GABA affinity was 37 microM. In cells expressing GABA(B)R1, the potency of GABA, but not of baclofen, in displacing bound (125)I-CGP64213 was similarly decreased in the absence of Ca(2+). To identify residues that are responsible for the Ca(2+) effect, the pharmacological profile and the Ca(2+) sensitivity of a series of GABA(B)R1 mutants were examined. The mutation of Ser269 into Ala was found to decrease the affinity of GABA, but not of baclofen, and the GABA affinity was found not to be affected upon Ca(2+) removal. Finally, the effect of Ca(2+) on the GABA(B) receptor function is no longer observed in cells coexpressing this GABA(B)R1-S269A mutant and the wild-type GABA(B)R2. Taken together, these results show that Ser269, which is conserved in the GABA(B)R1 protein from Caenorhabditis elegans to mammals, is critical for the Ca(2+)-effect on the heteromeric GABA(B) receptor.

Expression of calcium-sensing receptor gene by avian parathyroid gland in vivo: relationship to plasma calcium

Calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) gene expression and parathyroid hormone (PTH) content were evaluated in situ in chicken parathyroid glands (PG) in relation to changes in plasma calcium. The CaR gene is expressed by the parathyroid chief cells, the same cells that store and secrete PTH. An increase in plasma calcium, achieved by repletion of vitamin D-deficient chicks with a normal diet, by PTH injection, or during eggshell formation, increased the expression of the CaR gene. Low plasma calcium concentration in vitamin D-deficient chicks or in layers, before or after eggshell formation, was associated with decrease in CaR gene expression in the PG. The level of CaR gene expression was inversely correlated with the PTH content of the PG. The results of this study demonstrate for the first time that, in contrast to mammals, the CaR gene expression in the PG of the chicken is inversely associated with changes in plasma calcium.

Calcium-sensing receptor and calcimimetic agents

Recognizing the role of the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) in mineral metabolism greatly improves our understanding of calcium homeostasis. The biology of the low affinity, G-protein-coupled CaR and the effects of its activation in various tissues are reviewed. Physiological roles include regulation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion by small changes in ionized calcium (Ca2+) and control of urinary calcium excretion with small changes in blood Ca2+. The CaR also affects the renal handling of sodium, magnesium and water. Mutations affecting the CaR that make it either less or more sensitive to Ca2+ cause various clinical disorders; heterozygotes of mutations causing the CaR to be less sensitive to extracellular Ca2+ cause familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, while the homozygous form results in severe infantile hyperparathyroidism. Mutations causing increased sensitivity of the CaR to extracellular Ca2+ produce hereditary forms of hypoparathyroidism. Disorders, such as primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism, may exhibit acquired abnormalities of the CaR. Calcimimetic drugs, which amplify the sensitivity of the CaR to Ca2+, can suppress PTH levels, leading to a fall in blood Ca2+. Experiences with this agent in patients with secondary and primary hyperparathyroidism and parathyroid carcinoma are summarized. In animals and humans with hyperparathyroidism, this agent produces a dose-dependent fall in PTH and blood Ca2+, with larger doses causing more sustained effects. The treatment has been short-term except for one patient followed for more than 600 days for parathyroid carcinoma; nonetheless the drug did not cause major side-effects and appears to be safe. Further long-term controlled studies are needed with calcimimetic agents of this type.

Calcimimetic Compounds: a Direct Approach to Controlling Plasma Levels of Parathyroid Hormone in Hyperparathyroidism

The Ca2+ receptor is the primary mechanism regulating the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Ligands that activate this receptor (calcimimetics) represent a novel means of lowering plasma levels of PTH. Two mechanistically distinct classes of calcimimetics that inhibit PTH secretion have been identified: type I calcimimetics are full agonists of the Ca2+ receptor and include Ca2+ and other polyvalent inorganic and organic cations; whereas type II calcimimetics, typified by phenylalkylamine compounds, behave like positive allosteric activators and increase, in a stereoselective manner, the sensitivity of the Ca2+ receptor to activation by extracellular Ca2+. The phenylalkylamine calcimimetics are orally active and decrease the plasma levels of PTH and Ca2+ in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT), a disease that so far has resisted pharmacological intervention. Such compounds are similarly safe and effective in reducing PTH levels and preventing parathyroid cell hyperplasia in rats with HPT secondary to chronic renal insufficiency and they lower plasma levels of PTH in dialysis patients with secondary HPT. Calcimimetic compounds may provide a novel therapy for treating both primary and secondary HPT.

A986S polymorphism of the calcium-sensing receptor and circulating calcium concentrations

BACKGROUND

The regulation of extracellular calcium concentration by parathyroid hormone is mediated by a calcium-sensing, G-protein-coupled cell-surface receptor (CASR). Mutations of the CASR gene alter the set-point for extracellular ionised calcium [Ca2+]o and cause familial hypercalcaemia or hypocalcaemia. The CASR missense polymorphism, A986S, is common in the general population and is, therefore, a prime candidate as a genetic determinant of extracellular calcium concentration.

METHODS

We genotyped the CASR A986S variant (S allele frequency of 16.3%) in 163 healthy adult women and tested samples of their serum for total calcium, albumin, total protein, creatinine, phosphate, pH, and parathyroid hormone. A prospectively generated, random subset of 84 of these women provided a whole blood sample for assay of [Ca2+]o.

FINDINGS

The A986S genotype showed no association with total serum concentration of calcium, until corrected for albumin. In a multivariate regression model, biochemical and genetic variables accounted for 74% of the total variation in calcium. The significant predictors of serum calcium were: albumin (p<0.001), phosphate (p=0.02), parathyroid hormone (p=0.007), pH (p=0.001), and A986S genotype (p=0.009). Fasting whole-blood [Ca2+]o also showed an independent positive association with the 986S variant (p=0.013).

INTERPRETATION

The CASR A986S variant has a significant effect on extracellular calcium. The CASR A986S polymorphism is a likely candidate locus for genetic predisposition to various bone and mineral disorders in which extracellular calcium concentrations have a prominent part.

Ca(2+) receptor from brain to gut: common stimulus, diverse actions

An extracellular Ca(2+)-sensing receptor (CaR) plays central roles in Ca(2+) homeostasis by regulating parathyroid hormone (PTH)secretion and renal Ca(2+) handling. The CaR is also expressed in intestine and bone, where its functions in mineral metabolism are not yet well defined. The receptor is also present in various types of cells seemingly uninvolved in systemic mineral ion homeostasis (such as neuronal and glial cells in the brain and various epithelial cells), where its actions are poorly understood but might involve the regulation of local ionic homeostasis and/or diverse cellular processes, such as cellular differentiation and proliferation.

Co-expression of a Ca2+-inhibitable adenylyl cyclase and of a Ca2+-sensing receptor in the cortical thick ascending limb cell of the rat kidney. Inhibition of hormone-dependent cAMP accumulation by extracellular Ca2+

The Ca2+-sensing receptor protein and the Ca2+-inhibitable type 6 adenylyl cyclase mRNA are present in a defined segment of the rat renal tubule leading to the hypothesis of their possible functional co-expression in a same cell and thus to a possible inhibition of cAMP content by extracellular Ca2+. By using microdissected segments, we compared the properties of regulation of extracellular Ca2+-mediated activation of Ca2+ receptor to those elicited by prostaglandin E2 and angiotensin II. The three agents inhibited a common pool of hormone-stimulated cAMP content by different mechanisms as follows. (i) Extracellular Ca2+, coupled to phospholipase C activation via a pertussis toxin-insensitive G protein, induced a dose-dependent inhibition of cAMP content (1.25 mM Ca2+ eliciting 50% inhibition) resulting from both stimulation of cAMP hydrolysis and inhibition of cAMP synthesis; this latter effect was mediated by capacitive Ca2+ influx as well as release of intracellular Ca2+. (ii) Angiotensin II, coupled to the same transduction pathway, also decreased cAMP content; however, its inhibitory effect on cAMP was mainly accounted for by an increase of cAMP hydrolysis, although angiotensin II and extracellular Ca2+ can induce comparable release of intracellular Ca2+. (iii) Prostaglandin E2, coupled to pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein, inhibited the same pool of adenylyl cyclase units as extracellular Ca2+ but by a different mechanism. The functional properties of the adenylyl cyclase were similar to those described for type 6. The results establish that the co-expression of a Ca2+-inhibitable adenylyl cyclase and of a Ca2+-sensing receptor in a same cell allows an inhibition of cAMP accumulation by physiological concentrations of extracellular Ca2+.