Effects in vivo of vitamin D metabolites and 17 beta-estradiol on parathyroid hormone-dependent formation of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate in rat bone.

We used an in vivo infusion technique to assess the hypothesis that vitamin D metabolites and estrogens modulate tissue responsiveness to parathyroid hormone via effects on the adenylate cyclase-cAMP system. After treatment with these agents for 3-4 days, rats were thyroparathyroidectomized. Twenty-four hours later, parathyroid extract (PTE) was infused, and cAMP in calvaria was measured. The response to PTE was achieved by 2 min and represented a 4-fold increase in the tissue concentration of cAMP at the highest dose of hormone tested. Treatment with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], did not affect cAMP levels in bone. However, 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25-(OH)2D3], either 0.25 or 1.25 micrograms daily, led to a major increase in PTE-stimulated cAMP formation, a result which persisted when carried out in chronically thyroparathyroidectomized animals. This effect did not reflect direct stimulation of adenylate cyclase or inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase from bone by the vitamin metabolite, nor did it operate via the 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor. 24,25-(OH)2D3 treatment also increased cAMP concentrations in renal cortical slices, but not in liver. Adenylate cyclase activity in kidneys from 24,25-(OH)2D3-treated rats was not different from that found in control tissue, but total cytosol phosphodiesterase activity was diminished. 17 beta-Estradiol, over a daily dose range of 2.5 micrograms to 5.0 mg, lowered basal cAMP levels but did not alter PTE-stimulated cAMP production. We conclude that modulation of PTH action in bone by estrogen does not involve modification of the acute cAMP response to PTH. Further, the results support the concept that there are unique actions of 24,25-(OH)2D3 on bone and kidney which are not duplicated by 1,25(OH)2D3.