Possible Involvement of Calcium Signaling Pathways in L -Leucine-Stimulated Protein Synthesis in L6 Myotubes

L-Leucine is known to stimulate protein synthesis in L6 myotubes. In the present study, we examined the possible involvement of calcium signaling pathways in the stimulation of protein synthesis induced by L-leucine in L6 myotubes. After 16 h of treatment with L-leucine-depleted medium, the re-addition of L-leucine for 4 h augmented protein synthesis by about 50% as compared with an L-leucine-depleted control. Ryanodine receptor antagonists almost completely abolished the stimulatory effect of L-leucine, while IP(3) receptor antagonists showed partial inhibition when added simultaneously with L-leucine. These results suggest the possibility that calcium signaling pathways are involved in L-leucine-stimulated protein synthesis.