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1795274 
Journal Article 
Testosterone induces Ca2+ influx via non-genomic surface receptors in activated T cells 
Benten, WP; Lieberherr, M; Sekeris, CE; Wunderlich, F 
1997 
Yes 
FEBS Letters
ISSN: 0014-5793
EISSN: 1873-3468 
407 
2 
211-214 
English 
9166901 
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.