Regulation of 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 synthesis in macrophages from arthritic joints by phorbol ester, dibutyryl-cAMP and calcium ionophore (A23187)

Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (100 nM), a potent protein kinase C and macrophage activator, has a biphasic affect on 25(OH)D3-1 alpha-hydroxylase activity in synovial fluid macrophages from arthritis patients. After 5 h, 1 alpha, 25(OH)D3 synthesis fell from 5.2 +/- 0.1 to 1.6 +/- 0.2 pmol/h per 10(6) cells, however, after 24 h and 48 h, synthesis increased to 17.4 +/- 0.3 and 22.3 +/- 1.4 pmol/h per 10(6) cells, respectively. Although an independent short-term mechanism is suggested, protein kinase C may promote macrophage activation, thus increasing long-term 25(OH)D3-1 alpha-hydroxylase expression. Intracellular calcium and cAMP are unlikely to activate the enzyme, since 0.1 microM of the calcium ionophore, A23187, and 1 mM dibutyryl-cAMP inhibited synthesis by 87% and 79%, respectively, after 24 h.

The use of octadecyl-bonded microparticulate silica in the separation of free and bound fractions during saturation analysis of vitamin D metabolites

The use of octadecyl-bonded microparticulate silica to separate free and bound fractions during the saturation analysis of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D has been investigated. A slurry of octadecyl-bonded silica in an appropriate incubation buffer was prepared and used in parallel with a conventional dextran-coated charcoal suspension in several assay procedures. Standard curves, non-specific binding and plasma values were compared. A competitive protein binding assay for 25-hydroxyvitamin D and two radioreceptor assays and one radioimmunoassay for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D were investigated. In most cases the octadecyl-bonded silica preparation gave the more favourable results; its action was rapid, time- and temperature-independent, and it produced low non-specific binding and higher B0 values in all the assays examined. It was in our hands easier to use than dextran-coated charcoal. The use of octadecyl-bonded silica is recommended as an efficient agent for the separation of free and bound fractions in the saturation analysis of vitamin D metabolites.

The role of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in the mechanism of acquired vitamin D deficiency

OBJECTIVE

We wished to assess the effect of changes in the plasma concentration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D on the plasma elimination half-time for 25-hydroxyvitamin D in man.

DESIGN

The turnover of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in plasma was investigated after intravenous doses of the radioactively labelled metabolite had been given to a group of patients (n = 17) with disorders of bone and mineral metabolism before and after oral treatment with calcium or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

PATIENTS

Seven patients with post-menopausal osteoporosis, five with hypoparathyroidism, three with hypophosphataemic osteomalacia, one with renal osteodystrophy and one patient with coeliac disease were studied.

MEASUREMENTS

Intravenous injections of 3H-labelled 25-hydroxyvitamin D were given and plasma elimination half-time assessed over periods of 4-14 days during which frequent measurements of plasma calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D were made. Changes in the plasma elimination half-time for 3H-25-hydroxyvitamin D before and after treatment with calcium and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D were evaluated by non-parametric statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The elimination half-time for 3H-25-hydroxyvitamin D in plasma was significantly shortened by raising the circulating concentration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Conversely, in a patient with intestinal malabsorption of calcium, the metabolic clearance of 3H-25-hydroxyvitamin D was prolonged when the concentration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in plasma was decreased by suppressing secondary hyperparathyroidism with large calcium supplements. In the longer-term studies (n = 10) there was a highly significant inverse relation (r = -0.88, P < 0.001) between the change in the plasma concentration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and the induced change in the elimination half-time of 3H-25-hydroxyvitamin D. There was also a significant correlation (r = 0.66, p < 0.0025) between the observed fall in the plasma concentration of unlabelled 25-hydroxyvitamin D and the predicted fall calculated from the measured value for the half-time of the 3H-labelled metabolite. In acute studies in patients with post-menopausal osteoporosis (n = 7), enhanced metabolic inactivation of 3H-25-hydroxyvitamin D was detectable within 24 hours of oral administration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D on the catabolism of 25-hydroxyvitamin D can contribute to the development of vitamin D deficiency in many clinical disorders. When the natural supply of vitamin D is limited by sunlight deprivation, a sustained increase in the plasma concentration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D due to primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism will lead to accelerated depletion of vitamin D stores.

Inhibition by prostaglandin E1 and E2 of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 synthesis by synovial fluid macrophages from arthritic joints

Previous work has shown that renal metabolism of 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) to the active metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) is stimulated by prostaglandin E2 and inhibited by acetylsalicylate (aspirin). As prostaglandins are primary inflammatory mediators and synovial fluid macrophages are known to synthesise 1,25(OH)2D3 in vitro, the effects of prostaglandin E1, prostaglandin E2, and aspirin on the metabolism of 25(OH)D3 by cells cultured from synovial fluid of patients with inflammatory arthritis were investigated. Most cultures contained non-proliferating macrophages which formed 1,25(OH)2D3; however, two of 13 cultures contained colonies of rapidly proliferating fibroblast-like cells which formed 24,25(OH)2D3 (24,25(OH)2D3). Prostaglandin E1 and prostaglandin E2 (0.01-10 mumol/l) induced marked inhibition of 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis (up to 94%) in a dose dependent manner after preincubations of 24 hours but not over straightforward six hour incubations. Exposure of macrophages to aspirin (1 mumol/l-1 mmol/l) for 24 hours did not affect 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis unless the cells had been pretreated with lipopolysaccharides, in which instance 1 mM aspirin increased 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis. Lipopolysaccharide is a macrophage activating factor which stimulates macrophages to form 1,25(OH)2D3, and it also induces prostaglandin synthesis which would be inhibited by aspirin. Taken together these results suggest that prostaglandin E1 and prostaglandin E2 synthesised by macrophages may act in an autocrine manner to attenuate the ability of macrophage activating factors, such as lipopolysaccharide, to stimulate 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis. Prostaglandins synthesised by other inflammatory cells may also inhibit 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis in a paracrine manner. In contrast, prostaglandin E2 and aspirin had limited effects on fibroblast 24,25(OH)2D3 synthesis. This study shows that the effects of prostaglandin E1, prostaglandin E2, and aspirin in macrophages contrast with those previously reported for the renal 25(OH)D3-1alpha-hydroxylase, where prostaglandin E2 stimulated and aspirin inhibited enzyme activity. These results further emphasise that synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D3 in non-renal sites is independently regulated, which is consistent with it having an immunological role at a local level rather than playing a part in systemic calcium homeostasis.

Differential metabolism of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 by cultured synovial fluid macrophages and fibroblast-like cells from patients with arthritis

Differential metabolism of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) has been shown for macrophages and fibroblast-like cells (possibly synoviocytes) cultured for two to 50 days after isolation from the synovial fluid of 12 patients with various forms of inflammatory arthritis. Macrophages synthesised the active metabolite of vitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), the synthesis of which was increased by bacterial lipopolysaccharide, a known macrophage activating factor. In contrast, fibroblast-like cells formed 24, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3), synthesis of which was stimulated by 1,25(OH)2D3 and inhibited by lipopolysaccharide. The synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 by macrophages and fibroblast-like cells respectively was inhibited by ketoconazole, indicating that both hydroxylases are dependent on cytochrome P-450. Mean (SEM) synovial fluid and serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations were 16.7 (1.7) and 22.2 (2.6) ng/ml and those of 1,25(OH)2D3 were 29.4 (4.8) and 43.3 (4.0) pg/ml respectively. In most cases concentrations were lower in synovial fluid than in paired serum samples, but in two patients 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations were greater in synovial fluid than in serum, suggesting local synthesis within the affected joints.

Studies on an adherent variant of the human promyelomonocytic HL60 leukaemia cell line that constitutively expresses 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase activity which is inhibited by 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

The constitutive expression of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase (25-(OH)D3-24-hydroxylase) activity has been studied in an adherent variant (Ad-HL60) of the human promyelomonocytic leukaemia cell line HL60. The Ad-HL60 cells have a more differentiated phenotype than the non-adherent cells from which they were derived, and synthesized 1.88 +/- 0.07 (+/- S.E.M.) pmol 24,25-(OH)2D3/h per 10(6) cells following culture in RPMI-1640 medium containing less than 0.02 nM 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3. They also synthesized 1.66 +/- 0.05 pmol 24,25-(OH)2D3/h per 10(6) cells following culture in 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-free medium supplemented with 1 g bovine serum albumin/l instead of 10% serum. In contrast, non-adherent HL60 cells required exposure to 10-100 nM 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 to induce equivalent 24,25-(OH)2D3 synthesis. The 25-(OH)D3-24-hydroxylase expressed by Ad-HL60 cells had an apparent Michaelis constant of 1 microM and maximal rate of 20 pmol/h per 10(6) cells with substrate concentrations from 0.012 to 1.2 microM/incubation (5-500 ng/ml). Furthermore, 24,25-(OH)2D3 synthesis was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by ketoconazole (0.01-10 microM), suggesting that the enzyme is cytochrome P-450 dependent. Ad-HL60 cells expressed approximately 3500 specific receptors for 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3/cell with a dissociation constant of 40 pM. Following exposure to 0.1-100 nM 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3, Ad-HL60 cell proliferation was significantly inhibited compared with controls grown in medium containing less than 0.02 nM 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 for 96 h. Expression of 25-(OH)D3-24-hydroxylase was also inhibited in a dose- and time-dependent manner; however, expression of nonspecific esterase was not induced. Both of these findings are contrary to those previously demonstrated for non-adherent HL60 cells, whereas the dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation by 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 occurs in both adherent and non-adherent phenotypes. These observations on Ad-HL60 cells represent the first description of a cell type in which 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 appears to inhibit 25-(OH)D3-24-hydroxylase activity. The Ad-HL60 cells also constitutively metabolized 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 in a manner consistent with formation of 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 without previous exposure to 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3. In contrast, many other cell types, including non-adherent HL60 cells, require exposure to 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 to induce metabolism of 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 to 1 alpha,24,25-(OH)3D3, a reaction that represents the initial step for catabolism of 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 to calcitroic acid.

Evidence for nonrenal synthesis of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in patients with inflammatory arthritis

The extrarenal synthesis of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] is a characteristic of activated macrophages and has been demonstrated to occur in vitro in synovial fluid macrophages from patients with inflammatory arthritis. To examine whether such synthesis occurs in vivo, 19 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 5 patient controls, and 5 healthy controls received a challenge oral dose of 250 micrograms 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD3) and the serum 1,25-(OH)2D3 response was measured. The median rise in serum 1,25-(OH)2D3 was significantly greater (22 pg/ml) in the rheumatoid patients compared to either of the control groups (8 pg/ml), although the increase in precursor 25-OHD3 was similar in all groups. The serum 1,25-(OH)2D concentration did not rise above the normal upper limit in any of the control subjects but exceeded the normal range in 8 of the rheumatoid patients. Extrarenal 1,25-(OH)2D synthesis is substrate dependent, unlike renal 1 alpha-hydroxylation, which is homeostatically controlled. Excessive 1,25-(OH)2D3 synthesis in the rheumatoid group on raising the 25-OHD3 concentration is indicative of nonrenal production of the hormonal metabolite. Further evidence for substrate-dependent extrarenal synthesis came from measurements of 25-OHD and 1,25-(OH)2D in paired serum and synovial fluid samples from 19 patients with inflammatory arthritis, including 15 with rheumatoid arthritis. Synovial fluid 1,25-(OH)2D was usually present at a lower concentration than serum 1,25(OH)2D, with which it was strongly correlated (Kendall's R = 0.46, P less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Metabolism of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 by blood derived macrophages from a patient with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma during short-term culture and 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 after long-term culture

We have examined the ability of blood-derived monocytes and macrophages isolated from a patient with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma and hypercalcaemia, to form 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3) or 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1 alpha,25(OH)2D3) from 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3). Adherent monocyte-macrophage cells incubated with 25(OH)D3 over the initial 2 days in culture synthesized 1.9 pmol 24,25(OH)2D3/h/incubation (representing 0.63 pmol/h/10(6) cells), whereas macrophages synthesized 1.03 and 1.15 pmol 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3/h/incubation after 1 and 4 weeks in culture respectively. In a further experiment synthesis of 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 by long-term cultured macrophages fell from 2.25 to 0.04 pmol/h/incubation following exposure to 10 nM 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 for 7 days, whereas 24,25(OH)2D3 synthesis was induced (0.46 pmol/h/incubation). The vitamin D3 metabolites were identified by co-chromatography with authentic 24,25(OH)2D3 or 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 in three different high-performance liquid chromatography systems. Serum 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 in the patient was markedly suppressed at 5 pg/ml (normal 20-50 pg/ml) indicating that raised 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 was not the cause of the hypercalcaemia, but rather, that raised calcium may have suppressed renal 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 synthesis. Administration of APD (3-amino-1-hydroxypropylidine-1,1-bisphosphonate) corrected the hypercalcaemia in the patient suggesting that increased bone resorption was responsible for the raised calcium. The results of this study show for the first time that immature blood derived monocyte-macrophage cells can synthesize 24,25(OH)2D3 before they mature into macrophages able to synthesize 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3.

The relationship between serum vitamin D concentrations and in vivo tetracycline labeling of osteoid in crush fracture osteoporosis

Twenty of 22 consecutive British patients with crush fracture osteoporosis had transiliac bone biopsies following double in vivo tetracycline labeling synchronized with the collection of serum for the measurement of vitamin D metabolites. A significant but direct (rather than inverse) relationship was found between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcidiol) levels and the fraction of cancellous surfaces covered with osteoid not taking either tetracycline label (r = 0.53, P less than 0.02). There was no correlation with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels. No patient had frankly thickened osteoid seams although 3 had reduced but measurable calcidiol levels. These results make it unlikely that the majority of patients with osteoporosis who have osteoid of normal thickness but reduced uptake of tetracycline have a mineralization defect secondary to vitamin D deficiency. The pathophysiological significance of unlabeled osteoid in osteoporosis requires further investigation.

A sensitive radioimmunoassay using a monoclonal antibody that is equipotent for ercalcitriol and calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D2 and D3)

A monoclonal antibody has been used in a sensitive radioimmunoassay that measures 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2 (ercalcitriol) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) with equal potency. This important characteristic has not been reported for any other radioimmunoassay for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. The two forms can be assayed in human serum together or individually after HPLC separation. Sample preparation entails acetonitrile extraction followed by C18-Sep-pak chromatography and HPLC. The assay measures 98% of added analyte, and achieves inter- and intra-assay coefficients of variation of 10.7% at 34 pg/ml and 7.8% at 81 pg/ml respectively. The limit of detection is 1.25 pg/tube and 50% displacement of bound ligand is achieved at 14 pg/tube. The reference interval is 20-50 pg/ml, mean 35. The correlation between results from the monoclonal radioimmunoassay and an established polyclonal antibody method was r = 0.98, slope 0.99. The assay has particular application in patients treated with vitamin D2 since 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2 can now be measured accurately in the presence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

Synthesis of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 by spleen cells isolated from two patients with myelofibrosis and a normal subject

The ability to synthesise [3H]1,25(OH)2D3 was studied in spleen cells incubated in short-term primary culture with [3H]25(OH)D3 which were isolated from two patients with idiopathic myelofibrosis and from one normal subject. Formation of a metabolite co-chromatographing with authentic 1,25(OH)2D3 on three different high-performance liquid chromatography systems was observed for cells from all three patients. [3H]1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis was 0.37 and 1.6 fmol/10(6) cells/incubation for cells with a density below that of lymphocyte separating media (1.077 g/ml) for the two myelofibrotic patients respectively and 0.15 fmol/10(6) cells/incubation for the normal subject. The most likely cell type capable of this synthesis were those of the monocyte-macrophage lineage which would have been present in abnormally high numbers in the patients with myelofibrosis. However, the exact identity of the cell-type responsible could not be determined because of the heterogeneity of cell types present. The observation that spleen cells from two patients with myelofibrosis and from a normal accident victim could metabolise [3H]25(OH)D3 to its active form [3H]1,25(OH)2D3 suggests a possible role for this metabolite in spleen haematopoiesis.

Metabolism of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and its sensitivity to ketoconazole in 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-differentiated HL60 cells

Regulation of the metabolism of [3H]25-hydroxyvitamin D3 ([ 3H]25-(OH)D3) in vitro to material with the characteristics of [3H]24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 ([3H]24,25-(OH)2D3) has been studied in the human promyelocytic cell line HL60. Synthesis of 24,25-(OH)2D3 was induced in a dose-dependent manner in cells pretreated with 0.1-100 nM 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3) for 4 days. This treatment also inhibited cell proliferation and stimulated differentiation to a macrophage phenotype that was characterized by staining for non-specific esterase (NSE) activity. The ability to synthesize [3H]24,25-(OH)2D3 from [3H]25-(OH)D3 and the expression of NSE activity both responded to changes in concentration of 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 in the culture medium in a parallel manner. Synthesis of [3H]24,25-(OH)2D3 was linear when the incubation time was between 1 and 8 h and the cell number between 1 and 12 x 10(6) cells/incubation. The optimum substrate concentration for its synthesis was 125 nM, giving an apparent Michaelis constant of 360 nM. The identity of the [3H]24,25-(OH)2D3 synthesized by these cells was confirmed by co-chromatography with authentic 24,25-(OH)2D3 on normal-phase and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography systems and by its reaction to sodium-m-periodate. Cells that had been exposed to 100 nM 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 for 4 days synthesized 2.17 +/- 0.07 (S.E.M.) pmol 24,25-(OH)2D3/10(6) cells per h.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Synthesis of the active metabolite of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D3, by synovial fluid macrophages in arthritic diseases

Synthesis of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) has been shown in cells from knee joint synovial fluid of 20 patients with inflammatory rheumatoid disease, reactive or psoriatic arthritis, or gout, all of which had high synovial fluid cell counts, and by cells from a patient with aseptic necrosis of a femoral condyle after short term (less than 24 hours) or long term (seven days) primary culture. Cells from 18 patients with inflammatory arthritis, five of which had low synovial fluid cell counts and cells from six patients with osteoarthritis were unable to synthesise this metabolite from 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3). Macrophages are believed to be the cells responsible for synthesising 1,25(OH)2D3 because these were significantly more numerous in samples that formed 1,25(OH)2D3; they were also the predominant cell type present in the aseptic necrosis sample and the only cell type present in preparations maintained for one week in monolayer culture.

Determinants of the serum concentration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in primary hyperparathyroidism

1. The serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D were measured in 44 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. 2. In 14 patients the serum concentration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D was greater than normal (142-337 pmol/l). One patient had a subnormal concentration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (36 pmol/l) but no other evidence of vitamin D deficiency. 3. The possible biological determinants of the serum concentration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D were sought by multivariate analysis of relevant variables. The serum concentration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D was found to be significantly and positively correlated with the serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (P less than 0.001) and parathyroid hormone (P less than 0.003), and with the glomerular filtration rate (P less than 0.03), and negatively correlated with the serum concentrations of calcium (P less than 0.02) and phosphate (P = 0.055) (multiple R = 0.638, P less than 0.002). 4. In primary hyperparathyroidism the major determinant of serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D is the availability of precursor 25-hydroxyvitamin D. 5. The finding that serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D is commonly normal in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism despite an adequate state of vitamin D nutrition, can be explained in terms of the constraining influences of hypercalcaemia and variable degrees of renal dysfunction on the biosynthesis of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

Metabolic inactivation of vitamin D is enhanced in primary hyperparathyroidism

1. The elimination half-time of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in plasma was estimated after intravenous injection of the radioactively labelled metabolite in seven patients with primary hyperparathyroidism before and after excision of a parathyroid adenoma. 2. The elimination half-time of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was significantly shortened in primary hyperparathyroidism and reverted towards normal after parathyroidectomy. 3. The increased metabolic clearance of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in primary hyperparathyroidism was accounted for by an increased excretion of vitamin D-derived inactivation products in the faeces. 4. Enhanced hepatic inactivation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D may be important in the development of vitamin D deficiency in primary hyperparathyroidism.

Peritonitis induces the synthesis of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in macrophages from CAPD patients

Metabolism of 25-[3H]hydroxyvitamin D3 was studied in peritoneal macrophages from renal failure patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Cells from 5 out of 8 patients with a history of peritonitis produced significant amounts of a metabolite chromatographically identical to 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3; but none was produced by cells from non-infected patients. The evidence strongly suggests that peritoneal macrophages stimulated by infection can metabolise 25OHD3 to the active vitamin D3 metabolite, 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3, when maintained in short-term primary culture.

Tumoral calcinosis: clinical and metabolic response to phosphorus deprivation

Two patients with extensive tumoral calcinosis were treated with aluminium hydroxide. Initial metabolic studies showed positive calcium and phosphorus balances which became negative with aluminium hydroxide treatment. One subject, who had renal impairment, developed transient hypercalcaemia, parathyroid suppression, low levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and calcium malabsorption during treatment with aluminium hydroxide. The second patient developed calcium malabsorption due to vitamin D deficiency. When she was replete with vitamin D there were supranormal levels of 1,25-(OH)2D in the serum and enhanced calcium absorption during treatment with aluminium hydroxide. Both subjects developed hypercalciuria and there was dissolution of many of the calcific tumours. The patient with renal impairment accumulated aluminium in the bone.

Rapid automated high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for ercalcidiol and calcidiol (25-hydroxyvitamins D2 and D3) using trans-calcidiol as an ultraviolet-absorbing internal standard

A system is described using high-performance liquid chromatography to separate and quantify, by spectrophotometry in a simple one-stage procedure, ercalcidiol (25-hydroxyvitamin D2) and calcidiol (25-hydroxyvitamin D3). The novel feature of the method is the employment of an ultraviolet-absorbing internal standard to monitor recovery. This has the advantage of permitting total automation of the quantification by eliminating the need for radioactivity counting. The method gives results that compare well with those obtained in other systems and has particular application in clinical studies where rapid separate determination of ercalcidiol and calcidiol is required.

Vitamin D nutrition and vitamin D metabolism in the premature human neonate

The effect of supplementation with daily doses of vitamin D2 (1000 IU or 3000 IU, 25-75 micrograms, 63-189 nmol) has been studied in 39 premature neonates, initial gestational age 25-32 weeks. The initial mean plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D was 25.8 nmol/l (10.3 ng/ml) but in 12 infants, most of whom were born in the winter months, the level was less than 15 nmol/l (6 ng/ml), and in seven babies plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D was less than 48 pmol/l (20 pg/ml). These findings suggest a considerable degree of maternal vitamin D-deficiency. Maximum attained concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D on treatment were 77.3 nmol/l (30.9 ng/ml), high dose and 86.8 nmol/l (34.7 ng/ml), low dose, the mean rate of increase was greatest during the first two weeks (2.2 nmol/l/d; 0.88 ng/ml/d) and declined over the next 4 weeks. Mean maximum concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2 were 283 pmol/l, (121 pg/ml), high dose and 309 pmol/l (129 pg/ml), low dose. Apart from a minor contribution to the initial plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentration, no effect of gestational age could be discerned in any of the measured variables. The endogenous pool of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 decayed with a T 1/2 of 22.5 d, indicating that vitamin D supplementation of these infants was necessary to avoid vitamin D-deficiency.

The osteodystrophy of hypervitaminosis D: a metabolic study

A patient received 2.5 mg vitamin D2 daily for 10 years and presented with increasing skeletal pain and hypercalcaemia. The limbs were painful to touch especially at the insertions of ligaments and tendons, and radiographs showed osteosclerosis with calcification in the periosteum, blood vessels, tendoachilles and plantar fascia. Bone histomorphometry showed increased amounts of osteoid and defective mineralisation despite hypercalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia and raised serum concentrations of vitamin D metabolites. A negative external calcium balance was documented in the presence of enhanced intestinal calcium absorption and an increase in urinary hydroxyproline excretion. Cortisone improved calcium balance and corrected the hypercalcaemia by reducing serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels and urinary hydroxyproline excretion.

Seasonal changes in the biochemical indices of vitamin D deficiency in the elderly: a comparison of people in residential homes, long-stay wards and attending a day hospital

The seasonal changes in the biochemical indices of vitamin D nutrition have been measured in elderly people with differing requirements for institutionalized care. Residents of local authority homes (LAH) showed an increase in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] between spring and autumn (means 14-17 nmol/l, P less than 0.002). No significant seasonal changes were seen in patients on long-stay wards [(GW) serum 25(OH)D3 9.5 and 9.5 nmol/l] and in day-hospital attenders [(GDH) 25 and 26.8 nmol/l]. Significant differences (P less than 0.02 to P less than 0.0001) were found between the mean serum 25(OH)D3 amongst the three groups. A significant linear relationship (r = 0.84, P = 0.036) was found between mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D2[25(OH)D2] and dietary vitamin D2. The intake of vitamin D was suboptimal in all groups. The incidence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D less than 12.5 nmol/l] varied from 11.7% of residents in LAH in autumn to 47% of GW patients in spring; but hypocalcaemia occurred less often (LAH 1.3% in autumn, GW 4.7% in spring). The diet assumes a greater role in protecting against vitamin D deficiency when the total 25(OH)D is low. Because most diets contain insufficient amounts of vitamin D, elderly institutionalized people will remain at high risk of developing vitamin D deficiency unless specific preventative measures are adopted.

Vitamin D prophylaxis in the elderly: a simple effective method suitable for large populations

A comparison of two regimens of vitamin D prophylaxis in elderly institutionalized subjects has been made. Sixty-six subjects received 2.5mg vitamin D2 by mouth in December 1982; a further group of 62 received the same dose in December 1982 and again in June 1983. Blood samples have been analysed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 [25(OH)D2] in 10 subjects from each group over a 12-month period. The serum 25(OH)D2 was maintained at normal concentrations for most of the year in the once-a-year dosage group but at the end of 12 months only 60% were fully protected. The twice-per-year regimen offered complete protection maintaining the serum 25(OH)D2 above the threshold associated with osteomalacia. It is concluded that a twice-yearly regimen of vitamin D supplementation is a practical method for prophylaxis in institutionalized elderly people.

Metabolism of vitamin D in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and alcoholic liver disease

The metabolism of isotopically labelled vitamin D2 and D3 has been investigated in eight patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and in five controls. The concentration of labelled vitamin D2 was lower than that of vitamin D3 in serum of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis on days 1 and 2 after intravenous injection (P less than 0.005 and P less than 0.05, respectively) but no difference was seen in controls. Similar amounts of labelled 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and D3 were seen in serum of the control group; the same pattern was observed in the primary biliary cirrhosis group, and no significant differences were observed between the two groups. In both control and primary biliary cirrhosis groups, the serum concentration of labelled 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2 exceeded that of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (significant for controls on day 2, P less than 0.02) but concentrations in the two groups were not different. Concentrations of labelled 25,26-dihydroxyvitamin D3 were significantly higher than those of 25,26-dihydroxyvitamin D2 in the primary biliary cirrhosis group at all times and in the control group on days 2 and 3. Both 25,26-dihydroxyvitamin D2 and D3 were higher in the serum of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis than in controls (significant on day 1; P less than 0.05). Urinary excretion over days 0-3 of radioactivity from both vitamins D2 and D3 was significantly higher in the primary biliary cirrhosis group than in controls: 12.03 vs 1.80% for vitamin D2 and 8.98 vs 1.76% for vitamin D3 (P less than 0.005). Vitamin D2-derived urinary radioactivity in primary biliary cirrhosis correlated strongly with serum bilirubin (P = 0.005). The metabolism of labelled vitamin D3 was studied in seven patients with alcoholic liver disease, three of whom showed low serum concentrations of labelled 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 suggesting impaired hepatic synthesis. The 25-hydroxylation response was quantified as the relative index of 25-hydroxylation and was significantly related to two other indices of liver function. It is concluded that impaired 25-hydroxylation of vitamin D may occur in alcoholic liver disease and results from hepatocellular dysfunction. Less than the predicted amounts of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 were produced in four of the seven patients with alcoholic liver disease; this defect may be attributable in part to decreased precursor 25-hydroxyvitamin D and to poor renal function.

Selection of high-affinity and high-specificity monoclonal antibodies for 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D

The preparation of high-affinity and high-specificity monoclonal antibodies to 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D is described. Monoclonal antibodies were derived from Balb-c mice immunised with either 1 alpha-hydroxy-25,26,27-trinor-24-cholecalcioic acid or with 1 alpha-hydroxy-26,27-dinor-cholecalciferol-25-oxime, and spleen cells were hybridised with mouse myeloma cells. From six fusions nine monoclonal antibodies (MAb's) were selected from 676 antibody-secreting hybrids. Antibodies varied widely in their ability to bind 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (50% displacement of radioligand ranged from 25 - 900 pg); two had particularly useful characteristics for 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D assay. MAb 5F2 has high affinity (Ka = 1.39 X 10(10) M-1) and does not discriminate between 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2 and D3, thus enabling the two forms to be measured together. MAb 1G7 is highly specific, having no cross-reactivity with 25-hydroxy-, 24,25-dihydroxy- or 25,26-dihydroxyvitamin D at concentrations found in normal human serum; this MAb has the potential to eliminate the lengthy extraction procedures involved in currently available assays for 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

Abnormal vitamin D metabolism in Hodgkin's lymphoma

In the autumn of 1984 there was spontaneous correction of hypercalcaemia in a patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hypercalcaemia recurred when ultraviolet radiation (UVR) was given and this abnormality was associated with high serum concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25[OH]2D3) although concentrations of precursor 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 were normal. Chemotherapy of Hodgkin's lymphoma corrected the hypercalcaemia and subsequent exposure to UVR did not produce either hypercalcaemia or a high serum 1,25(OH)2D3. Rigorous tests were applied to the putative 1,25(OH)2D3 produced during hypercalcaemia and it was not possible to separate this metabolite from 1,25(OH)2D3 itself. It is concluded that the hypercalcaemia was caused by abnormal vitamin D metabolism which was a result of the Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hodgkin's tissue may have been the site of excessive synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D3.

Vitamin D metabolism in patients intoxicated with ergocalciferol

Vitamin D metabolites were measured on admission in eight patients intoxicated with ergocalciferol (serum calcium 3.01-4.05 mmol/l) and also during the subsequent 2 months in six of the eight. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyergocalciferol, on admission, were grossly elevated in all patients (range 583-1843 nmol/l). Serum calcium concentration was related significantly only to the concentration of 25-hydroxyergocalciferol (P = 0.003). Concentrations of 25-hydroxyergocalciferol in serum were significantly related to those of calciferol (P = 0.004). Elevated initial concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxycalciferol, mainly as 1,25-dihydroxyergocalciferol, were found in seven of the eight patients (range 179-313 pmol/l). It is suggested that the hypercalcaemia in these patients may be explained by the action of 25-hydroxyergocalciferol at high concentration in competing for 1,25-dihydroxycalciferol receptors, thus exerting a biological effect per se, and also by increasing the synthesis of 1,25-dihydroxycalciferol through a mass-action effect on the renal 1 alpha-hydroxylase.

Feto-maternal relationships between vitamin D metabolites in Israeli Bedouins and Jews

The major metabolites of vitamin D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D were assayed in the blood of mothers at delivery and in the cord blood of their infants. Twelve Bedouin women and nine Jewish women were investigated; all lived in the Negev desert in Israel. All three vitamin D metabolites were significantly lower in cord than in maternal blood in both groups. Bedouin mothers and infants had significantly lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D than did Jewish mothers and infants. Concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D did not differ significantly between the ethnic groups and in both maternal groups were well above the normal range (Bedouins 83.6 pg/ml +/- 11.3; Jews 98.6 pg/ml +/- 12.3). Cord and maternal values for this metabolite were significantly correlated (r = 0.71, p less than 0.001).

Intestinal Absorption of Calcium in Greyhounds: The Response to Intermittent and Continuous Administration of Human Synthetic Parathyroid Hormone Fragment 1–34 (Hpth 1–34)

1. Long-term studies of gastrointestinal radio-calcium absorption were undertaken in adult greyhounds before and during two treatment regimes with human parathyroid hormone fragment 1–34 (hPTH 1–34). The results were correlated with plasma vitamin D metabolite levels and kinetic indices related to the balance of fluxes of calcium between plasma and the rapidly exchangeable calcium pools of bone.

2. Compared with adult man, results obtained before treatment started showed lower indices of gastrointestinal calcium absorption and considerably higher concentrations of 24-hydroxycalcidiol in the dogs.

3. Daily injections of hPTH 1–34 at 1.7 μg day−1 kg−1 significantly increased indices of radiocalcium absorption and plasma calcitriol concentrations, while only causing transient calcaemic responses. The individual magnitudes of the calcaemic response correlated positively with indices of radiocalcium retention in the exchangeable pools of bone which in turn correlated positively with ‘late-phase’ absorption of radiocalcium from the gut.

4. Subcutaneous infusions of hPTH 1–34 at 0.5 μg day−1 kg−1 to the same dogs were just insufficient to cause hypercalcaemia, but increased plasma calcitriol concentrations. Indices of radiocalcium absorption were not increased.

5. Continuous parathyroid hormone (PTH) infusion is now known to substantially down-regulate renal PTH receptor density, whereas recovery after a brief exposure to PTH occurs within 24 h. It is possible that the differences in response of the gut to the two regimes may in part be related to their differing effects on some PTH receptors.

Ultraviolet irradiation increases serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in vitamin-D-replete adults

The production of vitamin D metabolites in response to ultraviolet irradiation has been studied in 5 control subjects and 8 patients with psoriasis; both groups responded similarly. Significant increases within the normal range were observed for serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D; these increases were negatively related to the initial concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D increased linearly over the 21 days of study, the production of 25-hydroxyvitamin D being negatively correlated with its own initial concentration. The changes in vitamin D metabolism were accompanied by significant rises within the normal ranges in serum inorganic phosphorus and in urinary calcium. These results indicate the variation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D occurs in vitamin-D-replete adults and that this variation is probably responsible for the observed alterations in calcium and phosphorus metabolism.

Dystrophic calcification, cataracts, and enamel hypoplasia due to long-standing, privational vitamin D deficiency

A 19-year-old Indian girl presenting with intermittent tetany, enamel hypoplasia, bilateral cataracts, and calcification of the basal ganglia is described. Dental evidence suggested a calcification defect had been present from the age of 2-3 years. Hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and low levels of immunoassayable parathyroid hormone (iPTH), urinary cAMP, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D were documented, suggesting hypoparathyroidism with vitamin D deficiency. A bone biopsy showed osteomalacia. Following ultraviolet irradiation and oral calciferol therapy, a symptomatic and biochemical response typical of privational vitamin D deficiency occurred. iPTH levels rose to normal and remained normal following withdrawal of treatment, indicating that the clinical features were entirely due to long-standing vitamin D deficiency.

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia: observations on vitamin D metabolism and parathyroid function

Serum vitamin D metabolites, the renal tubular maximum reabsorptive rate for phosphate (TMP/GFR) nephrogenic cyclic AMP (NcAMPI, and CaE (urinary calcium excretion per litre of glomerular filtrate) were measured in 14 adults with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia (FHH). The findings were compared with analyses in 14 patients with surgically proven primary hyperparathyroidism matched for serum calcium, creatinine clearance and vitamin D status (assessed by serum concentrations of 25 hydroxyvitamin D). Vitamin D metabolites were also measured in 16 normocalcaemic relatives of patients with FHH. The serum concentration of 24,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol was appropriate for the prevailing 25 hydroxyvitamin D and no difference was found between groups. The serum concentration of 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol was significantly greater in primary hyperparathyroidism (P less than 0.0005) compared with patients with FHH and their normocalcaemic relatives. TMP/GFR was reduced in both primary hyperparathyroidism (0.53 +/- 0.12 mmol/l GF, mean +/- SEM) and FHH (0.86 +/- 0.14 mmol/l GF). Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism showed an increase in NcAMP output in the urine (38.5 +/- 16 mmol/l GF) which was significantly greater (P less than 0.0001) than the normal NcAMP (13.5 +/- 9.2 nmol/l GF) found in FHH. CaE was low in FHH indicating increased renal tubular reabsorption of calcium. It is concluded that there is no abnormality of vitamin D metabolism in FHH comparable with the changes observed in primary hyperparathyroidism. It is suggested that the biochemical abnormalities in FHH cannot be explained solely upon an increased sensitivity of the renal tubules to the effects of endogenous parathyroid hormone.

Vitamin D deficiency, osteomalacia, and primary biliary cirrhosis. Response to orally administered vitamin D3

Five patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D less than 6 ng/ml) are presented. All patients had low serum 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations. Three patients had histological osteomalacia, negative calcium balance, and subnormal serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Malabsorption of a standard dose of [3H]vitamin D3 was found in three of four patients with steatorrhea, enabling the effective dose of vitamin D3 given to be calculated. Oral vitamin D3 400-4000 IU/day (effectively 400-1860 IU/day) resulted in a return to normal of the serum vitamin D metabolites, correction of the impaired intestinal calcium absorption and healing of the osteomalacia. Increases in serum calcium, phosphate, and the renal tubular reabsorption of phosphate occurred with a concomitant decrease in serum parathyroid hormone. It is suggested that osteomalacia in primary biliary cirrhosis is the end result of vitamin D deficiency; the hepatic and renal hydroxylations of vitamin D are normal and target tissues are responsive to endogenously produced metabolites of vitamin D.

Vitamin D state of Asians living in Pakistan

Asians living in Pakistan have serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentrations which are well within the normal range and significantly higher than in Asians resident in Britain. Clearly, Asians can maintain an adequate vitamin D state given an abundant supply of ultraviolet light, and the expression of vitamin D deficiency is an environmental and not a genetically determined characteristic. The risk of an Asian developing vitamin D deficiency increases after migration to Britain. The most efficient way to treat this is by supplementation with vitamin D.

Long-term treatment of osteoporosis with 24,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol

Five patients with involutional osteoporosis were treated with 24,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol (24,25-(OH)2D3) for 6 months, in doses sufficient to double plasma levels at that time. Dietary calcium absorption transiently improved by nearly 2 mmol Ca per day at 2 weeks, but this effect was lost by 6 months. The calcium and phosphate balances followed the trends in calcium absorption. Only twenty-five dihydroxyvitamin D levels changed little. Histomorphometric and kinetic indices of new bone formation and bone blood flow remained stable but there was an increase in urine hydroxyproline at 6 months, which was of borderline statistical significance. Treatment at this dosage of 24,25(OH)2D3, which increased plasma levels within the physiological range, conferred no measurable long-term benefit on our patients. Larger doses, or combination therapy, may warrant further clinical evaluation in osteoporosis.

Seasonal changes in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations among Asian immigrants

1. The exposure of Asian immigrants to effective quantities of naturally occurring ultraviolet light was investigated by observing the increase in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations during the summer months. 2. The seasonal increase in adult males was greater than in adult females. 3. There was a significant positive correlation between the seasonal increase and the prevailing 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration, compatible with the view that the accumulation of inadequate stores of 25-hydroxyvitamin D during the summer results in the low serum concentrations seen in Asian immigrants.

Vitamin D metabolism in hyperthyroidism

The serum concentrations of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25 OH D3), 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [24,25(OH)-2D3] and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)2D3] were measured in twenty-one patients with untreated hyperthyroidism. Compared with control subjects, 25 OH D3 concentrations were not altered, 24,25(OH)2D3 concentrations were increased, although not significantly and 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations were decreased (P = 0.01). Following oral carbimazole therapy, 24,25(OH)2D3 concentrations fell (P less than 0.01), 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations increased (P less than 0.01) and 25 OH D3 concentrations were unchanged. The altered 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 concentrations found in hyperthyroidism are probably due to the effects of thyroid hormone on bone and mineral metabolism. Increased serum calcium and phosphate concentrations with secondary hypoparathyroidism result in stimulation of the renal 24-hydroxylase and suppression of the 1-hydroxylase enzymes. In addition, serum 24,25(OH)2D3 concentrations were significantly correlated with serum triiodothyronine levels (T3) (r = 0.66, P less than 0.002) before treatment. This may indicate a direct stimulatory effect of T3 on 24-hydroxylase activity. No relationship was found between serum 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations before therapy and serum T3.

Annual high-dose vitamin D prophylaxis in Asian immigrants

A group of vitamin-D-depleted Asians was identified in the spring of 1980 and treated with 2.5 mg ergocalciferol in the autumn of that year. Treatment produced a sustained rise in the serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D which lasted until the spring of 1981. The response was more predictable after oral than after intramuscular administration. Treatment in the autumn provides an effective, efficient, and cheap means of prophylaxis against vitamin D deficiency in Asians during the winter. A "once a year" regimen promises a much higher compliance rate than could be achieved by daily supplementation.

The metabolism of a physiological dose of radioactive cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) to its hydroxylated metabolites in man

1. The metabolism of an intravenous pulse-dose of 65 nmol (25 microgram) of double-isotope-labelled cholecalciferol has been studied in 28 individuals. The subjects comprised 19 with serum concentrations of 25-hydroxycalciferol (25-(OH)D) less than or equal to 25 nmol/l, of whom 12 had clinical osteomalacia, and nine with serum 25-(OH)D > 25 nmol/l (30-125 nmol/l). 2. The concentrations in serum of radioactive cholecalciferol, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-(OH)D3) and the three dihydroxylated metabolites: 1,25-, 24,25- and 25,26-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-(OH)2D3, 24,25-(OH)2D3 and 25,26-(OH)2D3) were measured for up to 10 days after the injection. 3. The temporal relationships between the formation of individual radioactive metabolites and factors apparently influencing their production are described and their molar concentrations in serum calculated. 4. Formation of radioactive 1,25-(OH)2D3 was detectable only in vitamin D-deficient subjects. Between individuals, its maximum serum concentration was correlated significantly and inversely with serum calcium but with not other measured variable. In the individual, concentrations of radioactive serum 1,25-(OH)2D3 varied directly with radioactive serum 25-(OH)D3. 5. The failure to detect formation of radioactive 1,25-(OH)2D3 in vitamin D-replete subjects suggests that current estimates of the daily turnover of the hormone in the normal individual may be severalfold too high. 6. Radioactive 25,26-(OH)2D3 was produced rapidly by all subjects and in greater amounts by vitamin D-deficient individuals. Between subjects and in the individual its concentration in serum correlated only with the radioactive serum 25-(OH)D3. Production of this metabolite appeared to be unregulated and dependent solely on the concentration of its precursor. 7. In vitamin D-replete subjects, production of 24,25-(OH)2D3 was also apparently determined by precursor concentration. In vitamin D-depleted subjects, production of radioactive 24,25-(OH)2D3 was variably delayed for up to or more than 10 days. 8. There appeared to be a constraint on the quantitative hepatic production of 25-(OH)D which is not explained by simple feed-back inhibition. 9. If sterols other than 1,25-(OH)2D3 are required to initiate the mineralization of osteomalacic bone, after correction of vitamin D deficiency in man, 25-(OH)D3 and 25,26-(OH)2D3 are produced sufficiently rapidly to meet this hypothetical requirement, but not 24,25-(OH)2D3.

Comparative absorption of vitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in intestinal disease

The absorption of simultaneously administered equimolar doses of 14C vitamin D3 and 3H 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH-D3) has been studied in controls and patients with a variety of gastrointestinal disorders. As assessed from peak radioactivity in the serum and from faecal excretion of radioactivity, malabsorption of both vitamin D3 and 25-OH-D3 occurred in patients with steatorrhoea. Malabsorption of vitamin D3 was greater than 25-OH-D3. The magnitude of malabsorption of these compounds was related to the severity of the steatorrhoea but was moderate enough to suggest that replacement therapy in patients with intestinal malabsorption should be accomplished with relatively small doses of vitamin D. The more potent vitamin D metabolites are probably unnecessary in this situation.

Essential fatty acid restriction inhibits vitamin D-dependent calcium absorption

Essential fatty acid (EFA) restriction has been found to inhibit the action of vitamin D on the active transport of calcium in the intestine. This inhibition suggests EFAs are involved in facilitating the active transport of calcium across the mucosal membrane.

1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol in human serum and its relationship with other metabolites of vitamin D-3

A competitive protein binding assay for 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol has been developed using the hormone's nuclear receptor protein from chick intestinal mucosa. This nuclear receptor protein can be stored at -70 degrees C for several months and bound and free hormone can be separated easily with dextran coated charcoal. Results obtained using this assay agree well with those reported by other groups of workers. Serum levels of other vitamin D-3 metabolites, namely 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol have also been measured and are shown in relation to 1,25-(OH)2D3 levels.

The absence of 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol in anephric patients

1. In subjects with normal renal function there was a strong positive correlation between serum concentrations of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, as measured by competitive protein-binding assay. 2. The 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol concentration was about 7% of the prevailing 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentration. 3. In contrast, sera from anephric patients contained very low or undetectable amounts of 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol even after the serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentrations in these patients had been elevated by oral administration of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. 4. In a further group of anephric patients, all having normal serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentrations, no radioactively labelled 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol was formed from an injected pulse dose of [3H,14C]cholecalciferol. 5. These results indicate that in man the kidney is the major site of 24-hydroxylation of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol.

Absorption, hydroxylation, and excretion of vitamin D3 in primary biliary cirrhosis

Oral vitamin D3 was poorly absorbed by 4 out of 6 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis; absorption was negatively correlated with faecal fat excretion. 25-hydroxylation of vitamin D3 given by mouth or intravenously was not impaired in the patients compared with controls of similar vitamin-D nutritional status. Urinary radioactivity derived from the intravenous dose of vitamin D3 was significantly greater in patients than in controls and was positively correlated with the serum-bilirubin concentration. Excretion in the urine may lead to loss of administered and endogenous vitamin D and thus contribute to vitamin-D deficiency in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.

Vitamin D metabolism and the response to 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol in Osteoporosis

The metabolism of isotopically-labelled cholecalciferol and the response to small doses of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-(OH)2D3) was studied in a group of women with osteoporosis presenting with crush vertebral fracture. No abnormality of vitamin D metabolism was detected. The administration of 1 microgram 1,25-(OH)2D3 for between 8 and 20 days was associated with an increased intestinal absorption and urinary excretion of calcium but caused no improvement in calcium balance. There was a small but significant rise in serum calcium and phosphorus and significant reduction in immunoassayable parathyroid hormone levels during treatment. It is concluded that 1,25-(OH)2D3 is unlikely to be of value in the management of osteoporosis.