Available data indicate that adipocytes are targets for PTH action, and chronic excess of PTH increases calcium burden of fat tissue, suggesting that PTH increases entry of calcium into adipocytes. The present study examined the effects of PTH-(1-84) and its amino-terminal fragment, PTH-(1-34), on cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i) of adipocytes and evaluated the cellular pathways that mediate the potential effect of PTH on [Ca2+]i of these cells. PTH-(1-84) but not PTH-(1-34) produced a dose-dependent rise in [Ca2+]i of adipocytes. This effect occurred in the presence or absence of calcium in the media, but the magnitude of the rise in [Ca2+]i was significantly greater when calcium was present in the media. The PTH antagonist [Nle8,18Tyr34]bPTH(7-34)NH2, verapamil, and nifedipine blocked to variable degrees the PTH-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. The phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate, and the GTP-binding protein (G protein) GTP gamma S also produced a dose-dependent rise in [Ca2+]i of adipocytes. These effects were inhibited by staurosporine and the G protein inhibitor guanosine 5'-O-1(2-thiodiphosphate), respectively. Similary, staurosporine, calphostin C, guanosine 5'-O-1(2-thiodiphosphate), and pertussis toxin inhibited the effect of PTH on [Ca2+]i of adipocytes. (Bu)2cAMP also increased [Ca2+]i of adipocytes, but PTH did not stimulate cAMP production by adipocytes, and N-[2(p-bromocin-namylamino)ethyl]5-isoquinoline-sulfonamide, an inhibitor of protein kinase A, did not affect the PTH-induced rise in [Ca2+]i of adipocytes. The data indicate that: 1) PTH-(1-84) increases [Ca2+]i of adipocytes; 2) this action of the hormone is receptor mediated; 3) the hormone uses a G protein activation of calcium channels and the phospholipase C pathway in mediating its action on [Ca2+]i; and 4) the rise in [Ca2+]i is due to both increased calcium influx into the adipocytes and mobilization of calcium from intracellular stores.