REGULATORY EFFECT OF 1,25-DIHYDROXYVITAMIN-D-3 ON INSULIN AND CALCIUMHANDLING VIA THE PHOSPHOLIPID PATHWAY IN ISLETS FROM VITAMIN-D-DEFICIENT RATS

The effect of 10(-8) M 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 [1,25 (OH)(2)D-3] on the phosphoinositide pathway, was studied on [H-3] inositol and Ca-45( 2+) efflux and on insulin release of islets from vitamin D-deficient r ats, during an acetylcholine (Ach) stimulus in perifusion. The insulin release, which was low in vitamin D-deficient rats, was enhanced by t his treatment. The H-3 flux, reflecting phosphoinositide breakdown, wa s also increased. The Ca-45(2+) flux was stimulated both during the fi rst 14 min peak (mobilization of IP3-sensitive reticular Ca2+ stores) and during the following sustained small elevation of Ca-45(2+) flux, reflecting protein kinase C (PKC) activation and consequently increase d phosphorylation of Ca2+ channel proteins. These effects were larger during perifusions performed in the presence of glucose which is known to open Ca2+ channels, suggesting a synergistic influence of glucose and 1,25(OH)(2)D-3. This positive influence of 1,25(OH)(2)D-3 on Ca2entry by Ca2+ channels was confirmed by the use of nifedipine - a Ca2 channel blocker-which suppressed the Ca-45(2+) flux and lowered insul in secretion. Moreover, the sustained Ca-45(2+) flux also disappeared in islets from vitamin D-deficient rats supplemented by 1,25(OH)(2)D-3 but perifused without extracellular Ca2+, supporting the hypothesis o f 1,25(OH)(2)D-3-induced activation of PKC. Thus, 1,25(OH)(2)D-3 may p rovide supplementary calcium to the B cell by regulating the intracell ular signalling processes involving phospholipid metabolism, PKC induc tion, Ca2+ mobilization and Ca2+ entry by Ca2+ channels.