Glucocorticoid regulation and glycosylation of mouse intestinal type IIb Na-P_i cotransporter during ontogeny

We sought to characterize expression of an apically expressed intestinal Na-P_i cotransporter (Na-P_i-IIb) during mouse ontogeny and to assess the effects of methylprednisolone (MP) treatment. In control mice, Na-P_i uptake by intestinal brush-border membrane vesicles was highest at 14 days of age, lower at 21 days, and further reduced at 8 wk and 8-9 mo of age. Na-P_i-IIb mRNA and immunoreactive protein levels in 14-day-old animals were markedly higher than in older groups. MP treatment significantly decreased Na-P_i uptake and Na-P_i-IIb mRNA and protein expression in 14-day-old mice. Additionally, the size of the protein was smaller in 14-day-old mice. Deglycosylation of protein from 14-day-old and 8-wk-old animals with peptide N-glycosidase reduced the molecular weight to the predicted size. We conclude that intestinal Na-P_i uptake and Na-P_i-IIb expression are highest at 14 days and decrease with age. Furthermore, MP treatment reduced intestinal Na-P_i uptake approximately threefold in 14-day-old mice and this reduction correlates with reduced Na-P_i-IIb mRNA and protein expression. We also demonstrate that Na-P_i-IIb is an N-linked glycoprotein and that glycosylation is age dependent.