Thyroxine-induced stimulation of hepatic cell transport of calcium and magnesium

The effect of L-thyroxine on the bidirectional transport of calcium and magnesium in rat liver was assessed in vitro. An increase of 34% in the fractional coefficient for calcium influx was observed 24 hr after the administration of 500 mug of thyroxine. Chronic treatment with thyroxine for 1 and 3 wk at a dose of 750 mug/wk resulted in increases in calcium influx of 57 and 51%, respectively. Calcium efflux was increased irregularly, by 14-26%. Magnesium transport measured in a similar system was not altered by 24 or 48 hr of treatment with thyroxine, but continuation of treatment for 1-3 wk resulted in increases in magnesium influx of 47-49%. Magnesium efflux was not significantly affected. Neither increased cellular binding of divalent cations nor enhanced protein synthesis could be incriminated in the stimulatory effect of thyroxine on divalent cation transport. Actinomycin-D and D,L-ethionine, inhibitors of protein synthesis, stimulated calcium and magnesium transport in liver independently of the effects of thyroxine. These data present the possibility that certain actions of thyroid hormone may be mediated or modulated by associated, direct changes in the cellular transport and intracellular concentrations of divalent cations.