Testosterone induces Ca2+ influx via non-genomic surface receptors in activated T cells.
Using the Fura-2 method we investigated a possible direct action of testosterone 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 contrast, estradiol induces both Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ release. The testosterone-induced Ca2+ influx is mediated by Ni2+-blockable channels and 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 indicate a novel mode of direct action of testosterone on T cells which is not mediated through the classical androgen receptor response, but through unconventional plasma membrane receptors.
Benten
W P
WP
Division of Molecular Parasitology and Centre for Biological and Medical Research, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Lieberherr
M
M
Sekeris
C E
CE
Wunderlich
F
F
D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000187:drug effects; D003600:Cytosol / Q000378:metabolism; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009532:Nickel / Q000494:pharmacology; D011944:Receptors, Androgen / Q000378:metabolism*; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000494:pharmacology*
D015220:Calcium Channels; D011944:Receptors, Androgen; D013739:Testosterone; D004958:Estradiol; D009532:Nickel; D002118:Calcium