Progesterone potentiates IP 3 -mediated calcium signaling through Akt/PKB

Peter Koulen, Christian Madry, R. Scott Duncan, Ji Yeon Hwang, Everett Nixon, Nathalie McClung, Elaine V. Gregg, Meharvan Singh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

The activity of cells critically depends on the control of their cytosolic free calcium ion (Ca 2+ ) concentration. The objective of the present study was to identify mechanisms of action underlying the control of the gain of intracellular Ca 2+ release by circulating gonadal steroid hormones. Acute stimulation of isolated neurons with progesterone led to IP 3 R-mediated Ca 2+ transients that depend on the activation of the PI3 kinase/Akt/PKB signaling pathway. These results were confirmed at the molecular level and phosphorylation of IP 3 R type 1 by Akt/PKB was identified as the mechanism of action. Hence, it is likely that circulating gonadal steroid hormones control neuronal activity including phosporylation status through receptor- and kinase-mediated signaling. With a direct control of the gain of the Ca 2+ second messenger system as a signaling gatekeeper for neuronal activity the present study identifies a novel pathway for interaction of the endocrine and central nervous system.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)161-172
Number of pages12
JournalCellular Physiology and Biochemistry
Volume21
Issue number1-3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008

Keywords

  • Central nervous system
  • Electrophysiology
  • Gonadal steroid hormone
  • Kinase
  • Neuron
  • Retina

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