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Comparative distribution of calbindin and Met-enkephalin immunoreactivities in the guinea-pig lateral septum, with reference to electrophysiologically characterized neurons in the mediolateral part.

The distribution both of Met-enkephalinergic nerve terminals and of calbindin-containing neurons was investigated in the guinea-pig lateral septum, using a double-immunostaining technique. The findings show that the two immunoreactivities overlapped for neurons located in areas of the dorsal part and of the mediolateral part of the lateral septum. Nine cells of the mediolateral part which were electrophysiologically characterized and intracellularly labelled were subjected to the double-immunostaining protocol. All these cells displayed characteristic discharges due to the activation of high-threshold Ca2+ conductances. Two of them contained calbindin and were the target of enkephalinergic inputs; they possessed somatic spines. These data demonstrate: (1) that the guinea-pig lateral septum contains subpopulations of calbindin neurons which are postsynaptic to enkephalinergic inputs; (2) that Ca2+ conductances are not related to the presence of calbindin; (3) that somatospiny neurons, which are involved in the regulation of the hippocampo-septo-hypothalamic complex, contain calbindin and are the target of enkephalinergic endings.

Animals↗

Neurodegenerative and morphogenic changes in a mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy do not depend on the expression of the calcium-binding proteins parvalbumin, calbindin, or calretinin.

The functional role of the calcium-binding proteins parvalbumin, calretinin, and calbindin D-28k for epileptogenesis and long-term seizure-related alterations of the hippocampal formation was assessed in single- and double-knockout mice, using a kainate model of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. The effects of a unilateral intrahippocampal injection of kainic acid were assessed at one day, 30 days, and four months post-injection, using various markers of GABAergic interneurons (GABA-transporter type 1, GABA(A)-receptor alpha1 subunit, calretinin, calbindin D-28k, somatostatin, and neuropeptide Y). Parvalbumin-deficient, parvalbumin/calbindin-deficient, and parvalbumin/calretinin-deficient mice exhibited no difference in cytoarchitecture of the hippocampal formation and in the number, distribution, or morphology of interneurons compared to wild-type mice. Likewise, mutant mice were not more vulnerable to acute kainate-induced excitotoxicity or to long-term effects of recurrent focal seizures, and exhibited the same pattern of neurochemical alterations (e.g., bilateral induction of neuropeptide Y in granule cells) and morphogenic changes (enlargement and dispersion of dentate gyrus granule cells) as wild-type animals. Quantification of interneurons revealed no significant difference in neuronal vulnerability among the genotypes.These results indicate that the calcium-binding proteins investigated here are not essential for determining the neurochemical phenotype of interneurons. Furthermore, they are not protective against kainate-induced excitotoxicity in this model, and do not appear to modulate the overall level of excitability of the hippocampus. Finally, seizure-induced changes in gene expression in granule cells, which normally express high levels of calcium-binding proteins, apparently were not affected by the gene deletions analysed.

Animals↗

Altered calbindin mRNA expression and calcium regulating hormones in rat diabetic pregnancy.

Offspring of rats with diabetes mellitus are at risk of reduced calcium and bone mineral content. Altered expression of the maternal calcium binding proteins, calbindin-D(9K) and calbindin-D(28K), which are involved in renal and placental calcium transport, may underlie these problems.We have investigated the effect of diabetes on circulating concentrations of regulatory hormones with respect to calbindin-D mRNA concentrations. Three rat groups were studied; control (CP), streptozotocin-induced diabetic (DP), and insulin-treated diabetic (DPI) pregnant rats. Calbindin-D(9K) and calbindin-D(28K) mRNA abundance in placenta and maternal kidney were measured at days 7, 15, 18 and 21 of gestation, together with serum or plasma concentrations of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1, 25(OH)(2)D(3)), parathyroid hormone (PTH), PTH-related protein (PTHrP), calcitonin, oestradiol and IGF-I. An increase in placental calbindin-D(9K) mRNA abundance between days 18 and 21 in CP and DPI rats was severely blunted in the DP rats. In contrast, renal calbindin-D(28K) mRNA abundance was greater at days 7, 15 and 18 in DP compared with CP rats, as was calbindin-D(9K) at day 18. Calcitonin concentrations showed no differences between the groups, and both PTH and IGF-I were reduced over the first half of gestation, unlike the calbindins. In contrast, the concentrations of PTHrP and 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) were reduced at term in the DP group compared with the other two groups. Plasma oestradiol concentrations were lower in DP than in CP rats at days 7, 15 and 18, and most striking was the absence in DP rats of the peak of oestradiol seen at day 18 in CP rats. Despite the similarity between changes in placental calbindin mRNA and 1,25(OH)(2)D(3), previous work has shown placental calbindin-D(9K) regulation to be vitamin-D-independent. These studies produce suggestive evidence, therefore, that PTHrP and oestradiol may be involved in the altered calbindin-D expression by kidney and placenta in rat diabetic pregnancy.

Animals↗

Effect of age, vitamin D, and calcium on the regulation of rat intestinal epithelial calcium channels.

Transepithelial transport of calcium involves uptake at the apical membrane, movement across the cell, and extrusion at the basolateral membrane. Active vitamin D metabolites regulate the latter two processes by induction of calbindin D and the plasma membrane ATPase (calcium pump), respectively. The expression of calbindin D and the calcium pump declines with age in parallel with transepithelial calcium transport. The apical uptake of calcium is thought to be mediated by the recently cloned calcium channels-CaT1 (or ECaC2, TRPV6) and CaT2 (or ECaC1, TRPV5). The purpose of these studies was to determine whether there were age-related changes in intestinal calcium channel regulation and to identify the dietary factors responsible for their regulation. Young (2 months) and adult (12 months) rats were fed either a high calcium or low calcium diet for 4 weeks. The low calcium diet significantly increased duodenal CaT1 and CaT2 mRNA levels in both age groups, but the levels in the adult were less than half that of the young. The changes in calcium channel expression with age and diet were significantly correlated with duodenal calcium transport and with calbindin D levels. To elucidate the relative roles of serum 1,25(OH)2D3 and calcium in the regulation of calcium channel expression, young rats were fed diets containing varying amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Dietary vitamin D or exogenous 1,25(OH)2D3 more than doubled CaT1 mRNA levels, and this regulation was independent of dietary or serum calcium. These findings suggest that the apical calcium channels, along with calbindin and the calcium pump, may play a role in intestinal calcium transport and its modulation by age, dietary calcium, and 1,25(OH)2D3.

Aging↗

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

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

Animals↗

Purinergic Ca2+ signaling in myenteric neurons via P2 purinoceptors.

Fura 2 microfluorimetry was used to test the hypothesis that ATP acts at P1 and P2 purinoceptors to elevate cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations [Ca2+]i) in calbindin-immunoreactive cultured myenteric neurons from adult guinea pig small intestine. Local "micro-puff" application of ATP or ATP(gamma)S caused an increase in [Ca2+]i in 99% of 200 multipolar neurons. The potency profile of agonists for the rise in [Ca2+]i was ATP(gamma)S = ATP >> ADP >> AMP, adenosine, 5'-(N-ethylcarboxamido)adenosine, and 2-chloro-N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine. Tetrodotoxin-sensitive synaptic transmission could contribute as much as 25% to the ATP response. The P1 antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine blocked 50% of the peakATP Ca2+ response. P2 antagonists blocked the ATP response: pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid > reactive blue 2 > suramin. Suramin enhanced the ATP response in 27.5% of neurons. Some neurons (<15%) displayed distinct multiphasic Ca2+ signatures. About 54% of ATP-responsive neurons expressed calbindin. The data support the following hypotheses: 1) two distinct P2 purinoceptors are linked to the rise in [Ca2+]i in myenteric neurons; 2) purinergic Ca2+ signaling is not restricted to one neuronal phenotype; and 3) intraneuronal Ca2+ is not involved in adenosinergic hyperpolarization in AH/type 2 neurons.

Adenosine↗

Vitamin D target proteins: function and regulation.

Recent findings have indicated that calbindin-D(28k), the first known target of vitamin D action, is present in osteoblasts and protects against TNF and glucocorticoid induced apoptosis of osteoblastic cells. Cytokine mediated destruction of pancreatic beta cells, a cause of insulin dependent diabetes, is also inhibited by calbindin-D(28k). In calbindin-D(28k) transfected pancreatic beta cells free radical formation by cytokines is inhibited by calbindin. Thus, besides its role as a facilitator of calcium diffusion, calbindin has a major role in protecting against cellular degeneration in different cell types. Besides calbindin, the other known pronounced effect of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) in intestine and kidney is increased synthesis of 25(OH)D(3) 24-hydroxylase (24(OH)ase) which is involved in the catabolism of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). We have noted that CCAAT enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPbeta) is induced by 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) in kidney and osteoblastic cells and can enhance the transcriptional response of 24(OH)ase to 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). These studies establish C/EBPbeta as a novel 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) target gene and indicate a role for C/EBPbeta in 24(OH)ase transcription. These studies extend our previous studies related to factors that affect vitamin D receptor (VDR) mediated 24(OH)ase transcription (YY1, TFIIB, CBP) and the effect of signaling pathways on 24(OH)ase transcription and cofactor recruitment.

Animals↗

Activity-dependent plasticity in the adult auditory brainstem.

Over the past few years we have studied the plasticity of the adult auditory brainstem in the rat following unilateral changes to the pattern of sensory activation, either by intracochlear electrical stimulation or by deafening. We discovered that modifications to afferent activity induced changes in the molecular composition and cellular morphology throughout the auditory brainstem, including its major centers: the cochlear nucleus complex, the superior olivary complex, and the inferior colliculus. The time window studied ranged from 2 h to over 1 year following induction of changes to afferent activity. The molecular markers employed include the NMDA receptor subunit type 1, the cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), the immediate early gene products c-Fos, c-Jun and Egr-1, the growth and plasticity-associated protein GAP-43 and its mRNA, the calcium binding protein calbindin, the cell adhesion molecule integrin-alpha(1), the microtubule-associated protein MAP-1b, and the neurofilament light chain (NF-L). As a consequence of the specific electrical stimulation of the auditory afferents or the loss of hearing, a cascade of events is triggered that apparently modifies the integrative action and computational abilities of the central auditory system. An attempt is made to relate the diverse phenomena observed to a common molecular signaling network that is suspected to bridge sensory experience to changes in the structure and function of the brain. Eventually, a thorough understanding of these events will be essential for the specific diagnosis of patients, optimal timing for implantation, and suitable parameters for running of a cochlear implant or an auditory brainstem implant in humans. In this report an overview of the results obtained in the past years in our lab is presented, flanked by an introduction into the history of plasticity research and a model proposed for intracellular signal cascades related to activity-dependent plasticity.

Animals↗

Ontogeny of the calcium binding protein calbindin D-28k in the rat nervous system.

Calbindin D-28k immunoreactivity appeared at embryonal day 14 (E14) in the central nervous system as well as in the sensory organs and at E15 in the peripheral nervous system of the rat. At E14 the infundibular process of the diencephalon, cells of the posterior hypothalamus and of the dorsal thalamus were the only structures strongly immunostained in the brain, whereas neurons of the basal plate of the spinal cord, medulla oblongata and of the outermost layer of the cerebral cortex were only faintly labeled. Calbindin positive cerebellar Purkinje cells could be discerned at E15 together with a few cells in the hippocampus and in ganglia of the cranial nerves. At E19 various mesencephalic and metencephalic structures, spinal ganglion cells and basal ganglia displayed calbindin immunoreactive cells. The adult pattern of calbindin immunoreactivity (Garcia Segura et al. 1984) was reached before birth in most brain regions. In general, cells which displayed calbindin during brain development were also calbindin positive in the adult animal. Exceptions to this rule were cells of deep nuclei of the cerebellum and non-neuronal cells which transiently expressed calbindin during development. Calbindin appeared in a given brain region almost invariably 1 or 2 days after the cessation of cell division and the beginning of neuronal migration and extension of neuronal processes. The calcium binding protein calbindin might influence these Ca2+-dependent processes.

Animals↗

Cerebellar protein expression in three different mouse strains and their relevance for motor performance.

The present study uses a proteomic approach to link motor function to cerebellar protein expression in 129X1/SvJ, C57BL/6J and nNOS WT mice. Poor performance on the Rota rod, the standard test for motor coordination, was detected in 129X1/SvJ mice. No gross impairments of neurological, cognitive and behavioural functions were observed. Identification and quantification of 48 proteins revealed reduced expression of calbindin, septin 5 and syntaxin binding protein 1 in 129X1/SvJ. In nNos WT glucose-6-phosphate 1 dehydrogenase X was decreased whereas dihydropyrimidinase-related protein-4 was increased. In C57BL/6J stress-70 protein, alpha enolase, NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin 2, septin 2, dihydropyrimidinase-related protein-2 and brain derived neurotrophic factor showed elevated levels. Neurological examination, Rota rod test, Morris Water Maze, Multiple-T-Maze, Open field and Elevated plus-maze were employed to study motor, cognitive and behavioural function. Mice were sacrificed and cerebellar tissue was homogenized. Proteins were extracted and separated on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis with subsequent in-gel digestion followed by mass spectrometrical analysis of peptides (MALDI-TOF/TOF-TOF). Quantification of spots was carried out by specific software. A strong association of impaired motor function with altered cerebellar protein expression of calbindin, septin 5 and syntaxin binding protein 1in 129X1/SvJ was observed and is in agreement with previous observations of motor deficiencies in a calbindin knock-out mouse. These results have to be taken into account when using 129X1/SvJ for biochemical, toxicological or gene targeting experiments as well as when studying the above-mentioned proteins or corresponding pathways and cascades in this mouse strain.

Animals↗

Distinct signaling pathways involved in multiple effects of basic fibroblast growth factor on cultured rat hippocampal neurons.

We investigated possible involvement of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels (VDCCs) and several intracellular signaling mechanisms in multiple actions of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), such as survival promotion, induction of calbindin D(28k) expression as well as acceleration of neuritic branch formation of cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Immunocytochemical staining with anti-gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) antibody showed that the promotion of neuron survival by bFGF in high cell-density cultures were exerted exclusively on GABA-negative neurons. Nicardipine (5 microM) attenuated the effect of bFGF on neuronal survival and formation of neurite branches, suggesting that the activity of L-type VDCCs is required for these effects. In contrast, stimulation of calbindin expression by bFGF was not attenuated by nicardipine. A phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 (1 microM) prevented the effect of bFGF on neurite branch formation, but not on neuronal survival or calbindin expression. On the other hand, chronic application of phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (1 microM) inhibited the effect of bFGF on neuronal survival, without inhibiting the other bFGF actions. Forskolin (100 microM) attenuated the effect of bFGF on neuronal survival and neurite branch formation, indicating that cyclic AMP plays negative regulatory roles in these actions of bFGF. Taken together, these results suggest that multiple biological actions of bFGF on hippocampal neurons are exerted through, and modulated by, distinct signaling pathways.

Animals↗

Androgen mitigates axotomy-induced decreases in calbindin expression in motor neurons.

Androgens can rescue axotomized motor neurons from cell death. Here we examine a possible mechanism for this trophic action in juvenile Xenopus laevis: regulation of a calcium-binding protein, calbindin, after axotomy. Western analysis revealed that a monoclonal antibody to calbindin D specifically recognizes a single approximately 28 kDa band in X. laevis CNS and rat cerebellum. Retrograde transport of peroxidase combined with immunohistochemistry demonstrated that somata, axons, and synaptic terminals of laryngeal motor neurons in nucleus (N.) IX-X of X. laevis are calbindin-positive. The number of calbindin-positive cells was compared in the intact and axotomized sides of N.IX-X of gonadectomized males that were either hormonally untreated or DHT-treated for 1 month. Although axotomy decreased the number of calbindin-positive cells by 86% in hormonally untreated males, the decrease was only 56% in DHT-treated animals. Compared with hormonally untreated animals, the number of calbindin-labeled cells in N.IX-X of DHT-treated males was increased in both the intact (14%) and axotomized sides (75%). We conclude that axotomy decreases and that DHT enhances calbindin immunoreactivity in N.IX-X. Axotomy-induced decrease in calbindin immunoreactivity precedes cell loss in N.IX-X and may impair the capacity of motor neurons to regulate cytoplasmic calcium. Androgen-mediated maintenance of calbindin expression is thus a candidate cellular mechanism for trophic maintenance of hormone target neurons.

Animals↗

Beta 1 isoform-specific regulation of a triiodothyronine-induced gene during cerebellar development.

Although tissue-specific expression of the alpha 1 and beta 1 thyroid hormone receptors (TR-alpha 1 and TR-beta 1) suggests isoform-specific function, transfection studies to date have failed to show consistent differences in their ability to regulate gene expression. We here provide evidence that TR-beta 1 but not TR-alpha 1 regulates the expression of the gene coding for PCP-2 in cerebellar Purkinje cells during neonatal rat development and that such regulation appears to be both T3 dependent and T3 independent. Examination of neonatal rats revealed that the levels of three mRNAs expressed in cerebellar Purkinje cells (myoinositol-1,4,5-triphosphate receptor, calbindin, and PCP-2) rise from neonatal day 1 to day 15. This rise is preceded by the previously documented surge in brain T3 and TR-beta 1. Methimazole-induced hypothyroidism sharply reduces, but does not abolish, the rise in these mRNAs. Concomitant T3 administration normalizes the process. In order to establish more directly the role of TR-beta 1 and T3, cotransfection experiments were performed in CHO cells with PCP-2-lacZ construct and TR isoforms. These studies showed that TR-beta 1, even in the absence of T3, regulated the expression of the transfected PCP-2 construct. T3 augments the response to TR-beta 1 alone by 40% (P < .01). TR-alpha 1 had no effect on PCP-2-lacZ expression either in the presence or absence of T3.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Age Factors↗

Calbindin immunoreactivity in the hippocampal formation and neocortex of schizophrenics.

1. The authors studied the morphology of CalbindinD28K (CaBp) immunoreactive cells and processes in the hippocampal formation and the prefrontal cortex of schizophrenics using the immunohistochemical technique of avidin-biotin-complex method (ABC method), and the results were compared with those from normal human brains. 2. In the hippocampal formation area CA2 of schizophrenics, many CaBp-immunopositive cell bodies and fibers were disordered in their arrangement compared to normal control brains. 3. In the prefrontal cortex (Brodmann area 9) of schizophrenics, many immunopositive cell bodies were exhibited irregular axis arrangement and fiber disarray. 4. The altered distribution pattern of CaBp-immunopositive structures in the hippocampal formation and the prefrontal cortex might indicate the existence of GABA(gamma-aminobutyric acid)ergic dysfunction in the brain of schizophrenic patients.

Aged↗

Delayed decrease of calbindin immunoreactivity in the granule cell-mossy fibers after kainic acid-induced seizures.

Kainic acid (KA) administration induces an abnormal excitation and spontaneous recurrent seizures. Alterations of granule cell properties may be potential mechanisms. In this study, dynamic alterations of calbindin, a calcium binding protein particularly abundant in the granule cells, have been investigated immunocytochemically in the rat hippocampus after the KA-induced seizures. The calbindin immunoreactivity decreased slightly in the CA1/CA2 fields already after 1 and 3 days, and was lost partly or completely in the pyramidal layer after 10 days. From day 21, the calbindin immunoreactivity decreased in dendrites and soma of the granule cells and mossy fibers. The alterations remained at least to day 90, while no evident neuronal loss occurred in the granule cells. This may reflect a disturbance of calcium homostasis in the granule cells after seizures. The delayed decrease of calbindin has a time course similar to the occurrence of spontaneous recurrent seizures, suggesting a possible correlation between the two events.

Animals↗

Calcium uptake by brush-border and basolateral membrane vesicles in chick duodenum.

Calcium uptake was compared between duodenal brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) and basolateral membrane vesicles (BLMV) isolated from vitamin D-deficient chicks and those injected with 625 ng of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1 alpha,25(OH)2D3]. The uptake by BBMV in the 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3-treated birds attained a maximum (280% of the control) at 12 h and was maintained at an elevated level (210%) at 24 h after the injection of the vitamin. In contrast, ATP-dependent calcium uptake by BLMV reached a maximum (185% of the control) at 6 h and decreased to the control level at 24 h. The kinetic analysis revealed that 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 increased Vmax values without any changes in apparent Km values in both BBMV and BLMV. The activity of ATP-dependent calcium uptake was localized exclusively in the basolateral membrane, and the activity was inhibited by vanadate (IC50, 1 microM), but not by oligomycin, theophylline, calmodulin, trifluoperazine, or calbindin D28K. These results indicate that calcium transport through both the brush-border and basolateral membranes is involved in the 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-dependent intestinal calcium absorption. The initiation of calcium absorption by 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 appears to be due to an increase in the rate of calcium efflux at the basolateral membrane rather than the rate at the brush-border membrane.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Calcitriol controls the epithelial calcium channel in kidney.

The recently cloned epithelial Ca2+ channel (ECaC), which is expressed primarily in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3))-responsive Ca2+ -transporting epithelia, is postulated to constitute the rate-limiting step in active Ca2+ reabsorption. In the present study, the effect of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) was investigated on ECaC mRNA and protein levels in kidneys of rats that were raised on a vitamin D-depleting diet. This diet decreased the serum 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) concentration significantly, which was accompanied by a marked drop in serum Ca2+ level. Both 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and Ca2+ levels were normalized within 48 h after 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) administration. In 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-deficient rats, ECaC mRNA and protein levels of the kidney cortex were significantly decreased compared with the repleted animals, suggesting that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) exerts its stimulatory effect on Ca2+ reabsorption via increased ECaC expression. In agreement with this observation, the elucidated human ECaC promoter contains several consensus vitamin D-responsive elements. ECaC was restricted to the apical membrane of the distal part of the distal convoluted and the connecting tubule. This conclusion was based on only minor overlap with the localization of the thiazide-sensitive NaCl co-transporter and complete co-localization with the 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-dependent Ca2+ binding protein, calbindin-D(28K). In conclusion, ECaC, present in the distal part of the nephron, is an important target for 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-mediated Ca2+ reabsorption.

Animals↗

Distribution of NADPHdiaphorase and calbindin-D28k neurons in the lateral septal area of the guinea pig, with special reference to the enkephalinergic hypothalamo-septal tract.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPHd) histochemical techniques were used to identify neurons synthesizing nitric oxide in the lateral septum of the guinea pig. Double immunocytochemical procedures were used to detect neurons immunoreactive for calbindin-D28k and enkephalinergic fibers which project to the lateral septum. The present data demonstrate that (1) the neurons containing NADPH diaphorase and the neurons immunoreactive for calbindin-D28k are observed in discrete regions of the lateral septum; (2) these populations overlap in various areas of the lateral septum including its dorsal and mediolateral parts; (3) NADPH diaphorase and calbindin-D28k are colocalized in neurons located in the overlapping areas; (4) neurons identified by the presence of calbindin-D28k, NADPH diaphorase or both substances, are surrounded by enkephalinergic fibers. These observations indicate the chemical heterogeneity of the lateral septum and suggest that the enkephalinergic hypothalamo-septal tract does not preferentially contact a subpopulation of neurons.

Animals↗