In vitro perifusion for the study of parathyroid hormone secretion: effects of extracellular calcium concentration and beta-adrenergic regulation on bovine parathyroid hormone secretion in vitro.

An in vitro perifusion system was used to study parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion in response to calcium (Ca) and beta-adrenergic agents. Perifused parathyroid tissue responded to changes in Ca within the physiologic range during experiments up to 5 h. There was rapid secretory stimulation after exposure to low Ca, with the maximum response being observed at 20 min. Normal bovine glands showed a Ca-independent nonsuppressible component of PTH release at concentrations of Ca above physiologic. 1-isoproterenol produced rapid stimulation of PTH release, the response being blocked by a beta antagonist. The maximum secretory response to either low Ca (0.5 mM) or 1-isoproterenol (10 M) was enhanced when the two stimuli were applied simultaneously. The response to isoproterenol was blocked by raising Ca to 2.5 mM. Although d,l-propranolol (10 M) caused mild suppression of PTH release at a Ca of 1.25 mM, it did not cause additional suppression at 2.5 mM Ca nor did it decrease the response to 0.5 mM Ca stimulation. The secretory response of the gland to low Ca was sustained at a level more than double the baseline rate. The response to isoproterenol was more transient, with a return to or toward baseline secretion within 60 min. These results suggest that beta agonists and low Ca have separate but related mechanisms for stimulating PTH release and may affect different pools of hormone. The perifusion system described is a relatively simple technique for assessing the kinetics and interactions of various stimulators of PTH secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]