Using the Fura-2 method we investigated a possible direct action of te
stosterone on cytosolic free calcium of splenic T cells isolated from
female C57BL/10 mice, Testosterone at physiological concentrations of
1-10 nM induces an increase in [Ca2+](i) within seconds, which is due
to Ca2+ influx and not to Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, In c
ontrast, estradiol induces both Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ release, The test
osterone-induced Ca2+ influx is mediated by Ni2+-blockable channels an
d is not inhibited by cyproterone, a blocker of the classical androgen
receptor, Ca2+ influx can also be induced by testosterone conjugated
to BSA which is impermeable to the plasma membrane, These data indicat
e a novel mode of direct action of testosterone on T cells which is no
t mediated through the classical androgen receptor response, but throu
gh unconventional plasma membrane receptors. (C) 1997 Federation of Eu
ropean Biochemical Societies.