PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “CHOLECALCIFEROL”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 361 records · Page 20Linked to original sources

Vitamin D in the avian egg. Its molecular identity and mechanism of incorporation into yolk.

The chemical identity of vitamin D in the egg of the domestic fowl was studied by analysing radioactivity in eggs from hens injected with [3H]cholecalciferol. Labelled molecules were found throughout the egg, but the concentration of total radioactivity in albumin was only 5-7% of that in yolk. In lipid extracts of yolk, more than 90% of the radioactivity was as unchanged cholecalciferol and 5% as 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. Only about 3% of the radioactivity in albumin was chloroform-soluble, and of this 40% was 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and 15% was cholecalciferol. Evidence is presented to support the idea that the specific transport of cholecalciferol into yolk is mediated by a cholecalciferol-binding protein in blood. This protein forms a complex with yolk proteins in transit from liver to ovary via the blood. A cholecalciferol-binding protein, chromatographically similar to that from blood, was found in egg yolk. It is postulated that cholecalciferol forms part of a complex with its specific binding protein, Ca2+ and the yolk phosphoprotein, phosvitin. This complex is then incorporated into yolk by the thecal cells of the ovarian follicle.

Animals↗

Occurrence of vitamin D sulfate in human milk whey.

Following reports that vitamin D sulfate is the major source of vitamin D activity in human milk, we investigated the presence of this compound in milk whey using a modification of techniques for the determination of vitamin D metabolites in plasma. Synthetic cholecalciferol sulfate, ergocalciferol sulfate an [3H]cholecalciferol sulfate were prepared by reacting radioactive cholecalciferol or nonradioactive cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol with sulfamic acid in pyridine. The products were purified sequentially by Sephadex LH-20 and high pressure liquid chromatography. The purified products were chromatographically homogeneous, exhibited an ultraviolet absorption spectrum identical to that of standard cholecalciferol, demonstrated a sulfonate ester linkage and upon saponification yielded the parent vitamin. Milk whey was extracted with methanol:methylene chloride (1:2 v/v) using [3H]cholecalciferol sulfate to estimate recovery of the compound. The extract was purified by chromatography on silica cartridges an reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography and was quantitated by ultraviolet absorption (UV). Although added cholecalciferol sulfate was readily detected in human milk whey samples, no endogenous vitamin D sulfate was found (detection limit 1 ng/ml). The results indicate that vitamin D sulfate is not a major source of vitamin D activity in human milk.

Cholecalciferol↗

Effect of vitamin D and low dietary calcium on lead uptake and retention in rats.

The effects of cholecalciferol (formerly vitamin D-3) supplementation and alterations in dietary calcium levels on intestinal 210Pb absorption and tissue uptake were studied in weanling female Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were placed in one of three groups: 1) normal dietary calcium with normal cholecalciferol; 2) low dietary calcium with normal cholecalciferol; or 3) normal dietary calcium with cholecalciferol supplementation. Blood 210Pb levels were determined at 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours following the administration of either an oral or an IP dose of 210Pb. Femur and kidney 210Pb activities were subsequently determined for all animals 24 hours after the administration of 210Pb. Cholecalciferol supplementation resulted in increased net intestinal absorption of 210Pb with uptake into femurs and kidneys. The effect of cholecalciferol to increase tissue uptake of 210Pb was shown to be independent of the effect of cholecalciferol on the gastrointestinal absorption of lead. A lowering of dietary calcium was shown to increase lead absorption with uptake into femurs; however, this increased tissue uptake of lead was shown to be dependent upon increased intestinal lead absorption and was not a direct effect of the low calcium diet.

Animals↗

A high-affinity cytosol binding protein for 1 alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol in the uterus of Japanese quail.

Cytosol fractions prepared from the uterine mucosa of egg-laying Japanese Quail were analysed for binding of the metabolites of cholecalciferol. When the uterus was incubated at 37 degrees C with various radioactive metabolites of cholecalciferol, the nuclear fraction incorporated only 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy[3H]cholecalciferol. When the uterus was incubated at 0 degree C with 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy[3H]cholecalciferol, most of the radioactivity was found in the cytosol. Translocation of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy[3H]cholecalciferol from the cytosol to the nucleus was temperature-dependent. The addition of 100-fold excess amounts of unlabelled 1 alpha-25-dihydroxycholecalciferol significantly diminished the nuclear binding of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy[3H]cholecalciferol. The cytosol fraction contained a 3.5 S macromolecule that specifically binds 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy[3H]cholecalciferol. The dissociation constant was 0.39 nM and the maximal binding was 55 fmol/mg of protein. These results strongly suggest that the uterus in egg-laying birds is a target organ or 1 alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol.

Animals↗

Effect of vitamin D on the intestinal absorption of 203Pb and 47Ca in chicks.

The transfer of 203Pb and/or 47Ca across the intestinal epithelium of the chick was investigated, with emphasis given to the functional role of cholecalciferol (vitamin D-3). 203Pb, after introduction in the intestinal lumen, is rapidly accumulated by the intestinal tissue, and only a fraction of 203Pb is translocated parenterally (absorbed). Cholecalciferol did not significantly affect the accumulation of 203Pb by intestinal tissue but did accelerate 203Pb movement across the basal-lateral membrane. In contrast, cholecalciferol both decreased 47Ca tissue levels and increased 47Ca absorption. In rachitic chicks, the rate of absorption of 203Pb was greater in the distal than in the proximal segments of the intestine; after cholecalciferol repletion, the degree of absorption in al segments was similar, indicting the order of cholecalciferol effectiveness as duodenum greater than or equal to jejunum greater than ileum. An acute dose of 1,25(OH)2D3 to rachitic chicks also enhanced both 203Pb and 47Ca absorption, but the time course and pattern of absorption of these metal cations differed. The time at which the absorption of 203Pb peaked and returned to base-line occurred sooner than for 47Ca. Also the back-flux (blood leads to intestinal lumen) of 47Ca was enhanced by cholecalciferol, whereas no effect on the back-flux of 203Pb was noted. These studies show that cholecalciferol and 1,25(OH)2D3 affects both the 203Pb and 47Ca absorptive processes, but the nature of these responses are not identical, suggesting differences in the transport path or the macromolecular interactions of these metal ions during the course of absorption, or both.

Animals↗

Vitamin D metabolites activate the sphingomyelin pathway and induce death of glioblastoma cells.

1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was previously shown to induce cell death in brain tumour cell lines when added to the medium at micromolar concentration. In this paper we show that Cholecalciferol, a poor ligand of the vitamin D receptor, also induces cell death of HU197 human glioblastoma cell line and early passages cultures derived from a recurrent human glioblastoma. This finding suggests that the effects of vitamin D metabolites on brain tumour cells are at least partially independent from the activation of the classic nuclear receptor pathway. Vitamin D metabolites have been shown to activate the sphingomyelin pathway inducing an increase in cellular ceramide concentration. We determined the levels of sphingomyelin ceramide and ganglioside GD3 in Hu197 cells after treatment with cholecalciferol. A significant increase in ceramide concentration and a proportional decrease in sphingomyelin was already present after 6 hours of cholecalciferol treatment when no morphological changes were visible in the cultures. Treatment with ceramides (N-acetylsphingosine or natural ceramide from bovine brain) of the same cells also induces cell death. Similarly, treatment of the same cells with bacterial Sphingomyelinase also results in cell death. The demonstration of an increase in intracellular ceramide after cholecalciferol treatment and the ability of ceramide to induce cell death suggest that the sphingomyelin pathway may be implicated in the effect of vitamin D metabolites on human glioblastoma cells. Inhibition of ceramide biosynthesis by fumonisin B1 treatment did not alter the dose response curve of HU197 cells to cholecalciferol. Insensitivity to fumonisin B1 together with a decrease in sphingomyelin content after cholecalciferol treatment indicate that activation of sphingomyelinase should be responsible for the increase in intracellular ceramide concentration.

Animals↗

Environmental factors that influence the cutaneous production of vitamin D.

All vertebrates, including humans, obtain most of their daily vitamin D requirement from casual exposure to sunlight. During exposure to sunlight, the solar ultraviolet B photons (290-315 nm) penetrate into the skin where they cause the photolysis of 7-dehydrocholesterol to precholecalciferol. Once formed, precholecalciferol undergoes a thermally induced rearrangement of its double bonds to form cholecalciferol. An increase in skin pigmentation, aging, and the topical application of a sunscreen diminishes the cutaneous production of cholecalciferol. Latitude, season, and time of day as well as ozone pollution in the atmosphere influence the number of solar ultraviolet B photons that reach the earth's surface, and thereby, alter the cutaneous production of cholecalciferol. In Boston, exposure to sunlight during the months of November through February will not produce any significant amounts of cholecalciferol in the skin. Because windowpane glass absorbs ultraviolet B radiation, exposure of sunlight through glass windows will not result in any production of cholecalciferol. It is now recognized that vitamin D insufficiency and vitamin D deficiency are common in elderly people, especially in those who are infirm and not exposed to sunlight or who live at latitudes that do not provide them with sunlight-mediated cholecalciferol during the winter months. Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency exacerbate osteoporosis, cause osteomalacia, and increase the risk of skeletal fractures. Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency can be prevented by encouraging responsible exposure to sunlight and/or consumption of a multivitamin tablet that contains 10 micrograms (400 IU) vitamin D.

Animals↗

Vitamin D from skin: contribution to vitamin D status compared with oral vitamin D in normal and anticonvulsant-treated subjects.

1. The plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25-(OH)D3] response to measured u.v. irradiation applied thrice weekly for 10 weeks was investigated in normal and in anticonvulsant-treated subjects. 2. Levels of plasma 25-(OH)D3 achieved after u.v. irradiation were similar in both normal and anticonvulsant-treated subjects, suggesting that hepatic microsomal enzyme induction does not lead to low plasma 25-(OH)D3 concentrations. 3. Cholecalciferol was present in plasma of normal subjects in a very low concentrations (less than 5.0 nmol/l) and did not increase until plasma 25-(OH)D3 levels exceeded 62.5 nmol/l. 4. Cholecalciferol occurred in significant concentrations in plasma during whole body u.v. irradiation or during oral dosage of 62.5 nmol (100 i.u) or more daily. 5. Plasma 25-(OH)D3 concentrations reached a steady state after 5-6 weeks of u.v. irradiation or of oral intake within the usual intake range. 6. Cholecalciferol synthesis in skin calculated from the steady-state equation was 0.0015 +/- 0.0008 nmol/mJ. 7. Cholecalciferol synthesis in skin was also calculated from the oral dosage required to yield the same plasma 25-(OH)D3 concentration as u.v. irradiation and was 0.0024 +/- 0.0018 nmol/mJ. 8. Rates of cholecalciferol synthesis calculated from these data suggest that many of the population of England receive insufficient u.v. irradiation to maintain vitamin D status throughout the year.

Adolescent↗

Rapid suppression of S-PTH by oral calcitriol and calcium in healthy premenopausal women.

The influence of oral calcium +/- cholecalciferol or calcitriol on S-PTH and whole blood ionized calcium (B-Ca++) in the very short term has not been elucidated. B-Ca++ and S-PTH were measured after overnight fast every 5 or 15 min for 4-h in 7 healthy premenopausal women (30-45 years) in a crossover design where the subjects were studied on 4 different days. Study 1: (control), 125-ml tap water (also given in studies 2-4); study 2: 1000 mg calcium, as calcium carbonate; study 3: 1000 mg calcium and 400 IU (5 microg) cholecalciferol; and study 4: 0.5 microg calcitriol plus 1000 mg calcium. Calcium plus 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 induced a rapid and significant fall in S-PTH compared to the control period (p < 0.02). Calcium alone or calcium plus cholecalciferol did not change the PTH levels significantly compared to control (water). B-Ca++ increased significantly after calcium plus 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 (p<0.01) and calcium plus cholecalciferol (p<0.05) compared to the control period. The B-Ca++ elevation was significantly higher after calcium plus 1,25 vitamin D3 than after calcium plus cholecalciferol (p<0.05). In conclusion, oral calcitriol plus calcium causes a rapid elevation in B-Ca++ and suppression of the PTH secretion also in the short term (hours).

Adult↗

Neridronate prevents bone loss in patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.

UNLABELLED: Today, androgen deprivation therapy is a cornerstone of treatment for advanced prostate cancer, although it presents important complications such as osteoporosis. Neridronate, a relatively new bisphosphonate, is able to prevent bone loss in patients with prostate cancer during androgen ablation. INTRODUCTION: Androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) is a cornerstone of treatment for advanced prostate cancer. This therapy has iatrogenic complications, such as osteoporosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of neridronate, a relatively new bisphosphonate, to prevent bone loss during androgen ablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight osteoporotic patients with prostate cancer, treated with 3-month depot triptorelina, were enrolled and randomly assigned to two different treatment groups: group A (n = 24) was treated with a daily calcium and cholecalciferol supplement (500 mg of elemental calcium and 400 IU cholecalciferol), and group B (n = 24) received in addition to the same daily calcium and cholecalciferol supplement, 25 mg of neridronate given intramuscularly every month. All patients also received bicalutamide for 4 weeks. Lumbar and femoral BMD was evaluated by DXA at baseline and after 1 year of therapy; moreover, deoxypyridinoline (DPD) and bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) were determined at the beginning, midway through, and at the end of the study. RESULTS: After 6 and 12 months, whereas patients treated only with calcium and cholecalciferol (group A) showed a marked bone loss, with increased levels of DPD and BALP compared with baseline values, patients treated also with neridronate (group B) had substantially unchanged levels of these markers. After 1 year of treatment, lumbar and total hip BMD decreased significantly in patients treated only with calcium and cholecalciferol (group A), whereas it did not change significantly at any skeletal site in patients treated also with neridronate (group B). No relevant side effects were recorded during our study. CONCLUSIONS: Neridronate is an effective treatment in preventing bone loss in the hip and lumbar spine in men receiving ADT for prostate cancer.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Absorption of calcium administered alone or in fixed combination with vitamin D to healthy volunteers.

Calcium supplementation is widely used in deficiency status and as an adjuvant in the treatment of osteoporosis. As usual with endogenous substances, the calcium absorption, distribution and elimination processes are strictly controlled by homeostatic equilibria. Free calcium ion is the most representative active fraction of the circulating ion. Ion excretion is controlled by a saturable tubular reabsorption process which leads to a renal threshold. Cumulative urinary excretion of calcium is the end-point of absorption, distribution and elimination processes, and is thus a good indicator of bioavailability. In order to increase the oral bioavailability of calcium, the ion is administered in association with vitamin D, which is known to enhance intestinal calcium absorption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the absorption of calcium administered alone and in fixed combination with cholecalciferol (vitamin D3, CAS 67-97-0). In accordance with the study protocol, calcium carbonate (CAS 471-34-1; 1500 mg = 600 mg as calcium ion) was administered as such (reference) and associated with cholecalciferol (400 IU) (test) for four days (2 doses/day) to 18 healthy male volunteers in a sequential pattern, namely reference followed by test. Urinary excretion of total calcium, and serum concentration of free and total calcium, 25-OH-vitamin D3 and parathyroid hormone were carefully analysed the day before (baseline) and on the 4th day of dosing, with validated methods. The effect of cholecalciferol in promoting calcium absorption was clearly observed from urinary excretion of total calcium, which with the test treatment showed a 16.6% increase in excretion (p = 0.025) compared with the reference treatment. The mean excretion values on the 4th day, expressed in mg, were 238.85 and 204.83 with test and reference respectively. Moreover, the results demonstrated an increased serum concentration of both free and total calcium after dosing with test and reference by comparison with the baseline situation. The area under the serum concentration-time curve of total calcium increased from day -1 to day 4 from 550.98 to 575.90 mg l-1 h with test and from 543.03 to 568.16 mg l-1 h with reference. Similarly, ionised calcium increased on day 4 with both the treatments. Parathyroid hormone showed the expected typical decreasing behaviour after dosing with the test and reference drugs. The results of this study suggest that calcium carbonate is absorbed through the intestine when administered either alone or in association with cholecalciferol. Cholecalciferol, however, showed the typical expected activity in promoting calcium absorption, which was evident from the cumulative urinary excretion of the ion. To the authors' knowledge, this study is the first published paper demonstrating the absorption and pharmacodynamic effect of short-term administration of vitamin D associated with calcium at the doses recommended for supplementation in a fixed-combination pharmaceutical product.

Adolescent↗

Corticosteroid-induced bone loss. Prevention and management.

Osteoporosis is one of the most serious adverse effects experienced by patients receiving long term corticosteroid therapy. Bone loss occurs soon after corticosteroid therapy is initiated and results from a complex mechanism involving osteoblastic suppression and increased bone resorption. There are a number of factors that may increase the risk of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis [smoking, excessive alcohol (ethanol) consumption, amenorrhoea, relative immobilisation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inflammatory bowel disease, hypogonadism in men, organ transplantation]. The initial assessment of patients about to start taking corticosteroids should include measurement of spinal bone density, urinary calcium level and plasma calcifediol (25-hydroxycholecalciferol) level; serum testosterone levels should also be measured when hypogonadism is suspected. Many different drugs have been used to prevent osteoporosis in patients receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy, including thiazide diuretics, cholecalciferol (vitamin D) metabolites, bisphosphonates, calcitonin, fluoride, estrogens, anabolic steroids and progesterone. At present, however, published studies have failed to demonstrate a reduction in the rate of fracture using different preventive pharmacological therapies in patients being treated with corticosteroids on a continuous basis. Among the drugs studied, bisphosphonates (pamidronic acid and etidronic acid) and calcitonin appear to be effective in increasing bone density. Cholecalciferol preparations have been reported to be effective in some, but not all, studies. Limited data have shown positive results with thiazide diuretics, estrogen, progesterone and nandrolone. When treating patients with corticosteroids, the lowest effective dose should be used, with topical corticosteroids used whenever possible. Auranofin may be considered in patients with corticosteroid-dependent asthma. Patients should take as much physical activity as possible, maintain an adequate daily intake of calcium (1000 mg/day0 and cholecalciferol (400 to 800 U/day), stop smoking and avoid excessive alcohol intake. It is important to detect and treat hypogonadism in men, if present, and to replace gonadal hormones in postmenopausal women or amenorrhoeic premenopausal women, and to detect and correct cholecalciferol deficiency. A thiazide diuretic should be considered if hypercalciuria is present (urinary calcium excretion in excess of 4 mg/kg/day). High-risk patients and those with established osteoporosis should be treated with bisphosphonates (cyclical etidronic acid or intravenous pamidronic acid), nasal calcitonin, or calcifediol or calcitriol. Patients receiving cholecalciferol preparations should be carefully monitored for hypercalciuria and hypecalcaemia.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Hormonal effects of vitamin D3 on epidermal melanocytes.

The role of cholecalciferol, 25(OH) D3, and 1,25(OH)2 D3, as modulators of melanocyte function and proliferation has been examined. Topical application of 100 micrograms cholecalciferol to the pinnal epidermis of DBA/2J mice for 5 or 10 days increased the number of L-dihydroxyphenylalanine-positive (DOPA-positive) melanocytes and had a synergistic effect with a low dose of ultraviolet B light (UVB). Application of 1 microgram 1,25(OH)2 D3 had a transient effect on epidermal melanocytes. Addition of cholecalciferol to pure cultures of human melanocytes did not alter their tyrosinase activity (therefore, melanin synthesis) or growth rate even after 72 hours of treatment. However, treatment of similar cultures with 1,25(OH)2 D3 at a concentration equal to or greater than 10(-8) M suppressed tyrosinase activity but did not affect proliferation. The effect of 25(OH) D3 was similar to, but lower in magnitude than, that of 1,25(OH)2 D3. We attempted to demonstrate the presence of specific receptors for 1,25(OH)2 D3 in normal human melanocytes using the monoclonal antibody (Mo Ab) 9A7 gamma raised against the receptor for 1,25(OH)2 D3. Melanocytes were exposed to 9A7 gamma and to a secondary biotinylated Ab and analyzed by the fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS). An increase in the specific fluorescent signal was constantly observed. By using the immunoblotting technique, we observed a major immunoreactive species that migrated in the 53-kD region in normal melanocytes. The size of this major immunoreactive species was smaller in melanoma cells than in normal melanocytes. This correlates with the finding that the former cells were unresponsive to cholecalciferol, 25(OH) D3, or 1,25(OH)2 D3 treatment. These results predict a direct role for 1,25(OH)2 D3 as an effector of normal melanocyte function.

Animals↗

Bioavailability of calcium: comparison of calcium carbonate and milk and the effect of vitamin D, age, and sex using 24-hour urine calcium as a method.

The aim of the present study was to compare the bioavailability of calcium from calcium carbonate and milk and to investigate if 1,200 IU of cholecalciferol a day increased intestinal absorption of calcium. Both young women and a group of older persons of both sexes were included to study the influence of age and sex. In total, 53 healthy women and men were included: a group of 23 younger women (median age 30) and an older group of 15 women and 15 men (median age 66). The study period was 4 weeks; each participant completed four treatment regimens randomly: CaCO(3), CaCO(3 )+ 1,200 IU of cholecalciferol, milk, and placebo. All regimens were distributed three times a day and consisted of 1,200 mg of elementary calcium. The 24-hour urine calcium excretion was used as a method. Total urinary calcium excretion rates (mmol/day) were as follows (mean +/- SD): placebo 4.41 +/- 2.17, milk 5.17 +/- 2.33, CaCO(3) 5.83 +/- 2.03, and CaCO(3 )+ D 6.06 +/- 2.46. All regimens compared to placebo were significant. Addition of cholecalciferol to the CaCO(3) regimen increased calcium excretion but insignificantly: 0.27 +/- 2.84 mmol/day. The increase in calcium excretion during the milk regimen was significant only for the old group: 0.96 vs. 0.28 mmol/day. No other difference was found according to age and sex. The bioavailability of calcium carbonate and milk was demonstrated. Additional cholecalciferol (1,200 IU) to individuals in positive calcium balance with serum 25(OH)D levels >50 nmol/L only marginally increased calcium absorption in a short-term intervention.

Adult↗

Maternal-perinatal interrelationships of vitamin D metabolism in rats.

In pregnant rats it has been possible to show that the distribution of cholecalciferol metabolites in their fetuses reflects the distribution of these metabolites in the blood. In these experiments, pregnant rats were maintained on a vitamin D deficient diet but were supplemented with radiolabelled cholecalciferol. The metabolites found were 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol and, to a lesser extent, cholecalciferol. 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol was not detected in fetal tissues, despite the ability of fetal kidney homogenates to hydroxylate 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in C-1. Kidney homogenates of newborn pups were found to possess marked activity of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol-24-hydroxylase, which was retained even in hypocalcemic pups born to pregnant rats that were fed a low-calcium diet. Injection of radiolabeled cholecalciferol to newborn pups resulted in the formation of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol was not detected. Tissues thought of as target organs for vitamin D (in pregnant rats), namely, intestine, kidney and bone, were found to contain none or very little 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. Mammary glands obtained from lactating rats were found to contain mainly the unchanged vitamin.

Animals↗

Metabolism and biological activity of 25-fluorocholecalciferol, 24-dehydrocholecalciferol and 25-dehydrocholecalciferol in the rat.

Three side-chain analogues of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) modified at C-25, namely 25-fluorocholecalciferol, 24-dehydrocholecalciferol and 25-dehydrocholecalciferol, conceived as potential inhibitors of the cholecalciferol 25-hydroxylase have been prepared and tested in the rat. These compounds markedly diminish conversion in vivo of cholecalciferol into 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, but are not antagonists of vitamin D action, because they themselves possess significant biological activity in vivo. Each compound is capable of stimulating the intestinal transport of calcium and the mobilization of calcium from bone in vitamin D-deficient rats. Biological responses equivalent to those generated by a physiological dose of cholecalciferol (0.05 microgram) are produced, however, only when the analogues are administered at high doses (5-50 microgram). The biological activity of 24-dehydrocholecalciferol and 25-dehydrocholecalciferol is shown to result from conversion, in vivo, to the natural hormone, 1 alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, whereas 25-fluorocholecalciferol is metabolically activated in the rat by hydroxylation to 1 alpha-hydroxy-25-fluorocholecalciferol. This latter conversion is the first reported example of the 1 alpha-hydroxylation of a vitamin D compound lacking the 25-hydroxy group.

Animals↗

1 alpha,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol and a human myeloid leukaemia cell line (HL-60).

Human promyelocytic leukaemia cells (HL-60) can be induced to differentiate into mature granulocytes in vitro by 1 alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1 alpha,25(OH)2D3], the active form of cholecalciferol. The differentiation-associated properties, such as phagocytosis and C3 rosette formation, were induced by as little as 0.12 nM-1 alpha,25(OH)2D3, and, at 12 nM, about half of the cells exhibited differentiation on day 3 of incubation. Concomitantly the viable cell number was decreased to less than half of the control. Among various derivatives of cholecalciferol examined, 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 and 1 alpha,24R-dihydroxycholecalciferol were the most potent in inducing differentiation, followed successively by 1 alpha,24S-dihydroxycholecalciferol, 1 alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and 24R,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. A cytosol protein specifically bound to 1 alpha,25 (OH)2D3 was found in HL-60 cells. Its physical properties closely resembled those found in such target tissues as intestine and parathyroid glands. 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 bound to the cytosol receptor was transferred quantitatively to the chromatin fraction. The specificity of various derivatives of cholecalciferol in inducing differentiation was well correlated with that of their association with the cytosol receptor. These results are compatible with the hypothesis that the active form of cholecalciferol induces differentiation of human myeloid leukaemia cells by a mechanism similar to that proposed for the classical concept of steroid hormone action.

Binding Sites↗

The mechanism of end-organ resistance to 1 alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol in the common marmoset.

The common marmoset, a New World monkey, requires a large amount of cholecalciferol (110 i.u./day per 100g body wt.) to maintain its normal growth. In a previous report, we demonstrated that the circulating levels of 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1 alpha,25(OH)2D3] in the marmosets are much higher than those in rhesus monkeys and humans, but the marmosets are not hypercalcaemic [Shinki, Shiina, Takahashi, Tanioka, Koizumi & Suda (1983) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 14, 452-457]. To compare the effect of the daily intake of cholecalciferol, two rhesus monkeys were given a large amount of cholecalciferol (900 i.u./day per 100g body wt). Their serum levels of calcium, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and 24R,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol were markedly elevated, but the serum 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 levels remained within a range similar to those in the rhesus monkeys fed the normal diet (intake of cholecalciferol 5 i.u./day per 100g body wt). Intestinal cytosols prepared from both monkeys contained similar 3.5 S macromolecules to which 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 was bound specifically. However, the cytosols from the marmosets contained only one-sixth as many 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 receptors as those from the rhesus monkeys. Furthermore, the activity of the 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-receptor complex in binding to DNA-cellulose was very low in the marmosets. These results suggest that the marmoset possesses an end-organ resistance to 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 and is a useful animal model for studying the mechanism of vitamin D-dependent rickets, type II.

Animals↗