Side-chain oxidation of vitamin D3 in mouse kidney mitochondria: effect of the Hyp mutation and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 treatment

Side-chain oxidation of vitamin D is an important degradative pathway. In the present study we compared the enzymes involved in side-chain oxidation in normal and Hyp mouse kidney. Homogenates of normal mouse kidney catalyze the conversion of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 24-oxo-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 24-oxo-23,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. After subcellular fractionation, total side-chain oxidative activity, estimated by the sum of the three products synthesized per milligram protein under initial rate conditions, coincided with the mitochondrial enzyme marker succinate-cytochrome-c reductase. Treatment of normal mice with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1.5 ng/g) resulted in an eightfold increase in mitochondrial enzyme activity, with no change in apparent Km but a significant rise in Vmax. With 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 as the substrate, normal renal mitochondria produced 24-oxo-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 24-oxo-23,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and the synthesis of these metabolites could be increased sixfold by pretreatment with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. In the Hyp mouse, the side-chain oxidation pathway showed similar subcellular distribution of enzyme activity. However, product formation from 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was twofold greater in mutant than in normal mitochondria. Furthermore, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 pretreatment of Hyp mice resulted in a 3.4-fold increase over basal metabolism of both 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. These results demonstrate that (i) kidneys from normal and Hyp mice possess basal and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 inducible enzyme system(s) in the mitochondrial fraction, which catalyze the side-chain oxidation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and (ii) the Hyp mutation appears to perturb the renal metabolism of both substrates only in the basal state.     

Regulation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 metabolism in a human promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL-60): 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 stimulates the synthesis of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

The human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60 undergoes macrophage-like differentiation after exposure to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], the biologically active metabolite of vitamin D3. In the current study, we demonstrate that 1,25(OH)2D3 also regulates 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] metabolism in HL-60 cells. The presence of 1,25(OH)2D3 in the culture medium of HL-60 cells stimulated the conversion of 7-10% of the substrate [25(OH)D3] to a more polar metabolite, which was identified as 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25(OH)2D3] from the elution positions on sequential HPLC systems and the sensitivity to periodate treatment. The HL-60 subclone HL-60 blast, which is unresponsive to 1,25(OH)2D3 in terms of differentiation, also responded to 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment with the production of 24,25(OH)2D3. Maximal stimulation of 24,25(OH)2D3-synthesis (approximately 7 pmol/5 X 10(6) cells) in HL-60 cells was noted with a 12-h exposure to 10(-9) M 1,25(OH)2D3. The ability of vitamin D3 metabolites other than 1,25(OH)2D3 to induce the synthesis of 24,25(OH)2D3 in HL-60 cells was, with the exception of 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3, in correlation with their reported affinities for the specific 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor which is present in HL-60 cells. Treatment of HL-60 cells with phorbol diesters abolished the 1,25(OH)2D3 responsiveness, while treatment with dimethylsulfoxide and interferon gamma did not markedly alter the 25(OH)D3 metabolism of HL-60 cells. Small amounts (approximately 1% of substrate) of two 25(OH)D3 metabolites, which comigrated with 5(E)- and 5(Z)-19-nor-10-keto-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 on two HPLC solvent systems, were synthesized by HL-60 cells, independently from 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment or stage of cell differentiation. Our results indicate that 1,25(OH)2D3 influences 25(OH)D3 metabolism of HL-60 cells independently from its effects on cell differentiation.     

Effect of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 metabolism in calcium-deficient rats.

The effect of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25(OH)2D3] on 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] metabolism was examined in rats fed on a low-calcium diet. These rats exhibit hypocalcaemia, high urinary cyclic AMP excretion, a markedly elevated serum 1,25(OH)2D concentration and low serum concentrations of both 24,25(OH)2D and 25(OH)D. When the rats are treated orally with 1, 5 or 10 micrograms of 24,25(OH)2D3/100 g every day, there is a dramatic decrease in serum 1,25(OH)2D concentration in a dose-dependent manner concomitant with an increase in serum 24,25(OH)2D concentration. Serum calcium concentration and urinary cyclic AMP excretion are not significantly affected by the 24,25(OH)2D3 treatment, which suggests that parathyroid function is not affected by the 24,25(OH)2D3 treatment. The 25(OH)D3 1 alpha-hydroxylase activity measured in kidney homogenates is markedly elevated in rats on a low-calcium diet but is not affected by any doses of 24,25(OH)2D3. In contrast, recovery of intravenously injected [3H]1,25(OH)2D3 in the serum is decreased in 24,25(OH)2D3-treated rats. Furthermore, when [3H]1,25(OH)2D3 is incubated in vitro with kidney or intestinal homogenates of 24,25(OH)2D3-treated rats there is a decrease in the recovery of radioactivity in the total lipid extract as well as in the 1,25(OH)2D3 fraction along with an increase in the recovery of radioactivity in the water-soluble phase. These results are consistent with the possibility that 24,25(OH)2D3 has an effect on 1,25(OH)2D3 metabolism, namely that of enhancing the degradation of 1,25(OH)2D3. However, because a considerable proportion of the injected 24,25(OH)2D3 is expected to be converted into 1,24,25(OH)3D3 by renal 1 alpha-hydroxylase in 24,25(OH)2D3-treated rats, at least a part of the decrease in serum 1,25(OH)2D concentration may be due to a competitive inhibition by 24,25(OH)2D3 of the synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D3 from 25(OH)D3. Thus the physiological importance of the role of 24,25(OH)2D3 in regulating the serum 1,25(OH)2D concentration as well as the mechanism and metabolic pathway of degradation of 1,25(OH)2D3 remain to be clarified.     

24,25(OH)2D3 attenuates the calcemic effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 in rats with reduced renal mass

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of 24,25(OH)2D3 on serum calcium concentration in rats with reduced renal mass. Adult 5/6 nephrectomized male rats were divided into four groups: (i) control rats, (ii) rats treated with 1,25(OH)2D3, (iii) rats treated with 24,25(OH)2D3, and (iv) rats treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3. After 4 days, serum calcium in the 1,25(OH)2D3-treated group was 7.13 +/- 0.32 meq/liter (P less than 0.001 vs control). With the combination of 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 serum calcium was higher than that in control, 6.25 +/- 0.5 meq/liter (P less than 0.001 vs control), but lower than that in rats receiving 1,25(OH)2D3 alone (P less than 0.05). No change in serum calcium was seen in animals treated with 24,25(OH)2D3 alone. On the eighth day serum calcium in the 1,25(OH)2D3-treated group, 6.52 +/- 0.25, was higher than in the 1,25(OH)2D3 + 24,25(OH)2D3 group, 5.87 +/- 0.17 meq/liter, P less than 0.05, P less than 0.001 vs control. In both 1,25(OH)2D3- and 1,25(OH)2D3 + 24,25(OH)2D3-treated rats, hypercalciuria of similar magnitude occurred on the fourth and eighth day of treatment. No change in urinary calcium was seen in the control and 24,25(OH)2D3-treated rats. Thus, in 5/6 nephrectomized rats combined administration of 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 attenuates the calcemic response to 1,25(OH)2D3 without changes in urinary calcium excretion. These observations suggest that the effect of 24,25(OH)2D3 on serum calcium is different in 5/6 nephrectomized rats as compared to normal rats, in which an augmentation of serum calcium was observed following administration of both vitamin D metabolites. The effect of 24,25(OH)2D3 on serum calcium in rats with reduced renal mass may result from a direct effect of 24,25(OH)2D3 on the bone.     

Localization of vitamin D3-responsive alkaline phosphatase in cultured chondrocytes

Alkaline phosphatase activity appears to be altered when chondrocyte cultures are incubated with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3). This study examined whether the hormone-responsive enzyme activity is associated with alkaline phosphatase-enriched extracellular membrane organelles called matrix vesicles. Confluent, third passage cultures of rat costochondral growth cartilage (GC) or resting zone chondrocytes (RC) were incubated with 1,25-(OH)2D3 or 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25-(OH)2D3) and enzyme specific activity was assayed in the cell layer or in isolated matrix vesicle and plasma membrane fractions. Alkaline phosphatase-specific activity in the matrix vesicles was enriched at least 2-fold over that of the plasma membrane and 10-fold over that of the cell layer. Matrix vesicle alkaline phosphatase was stimulated by 1,25-(OH)2D3 in GC cultures and by 24,25-(OH)2D3 in RC cultures. The cell layer failed to reveal these subtle differences. 1,25-(OH)2D3 increased GC enzyme activity but the effect was one-half that observed in the matrix vesicles alone. No effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on enzyme activity of the RC cell layer or of 24,25-(OH)2D3 on either GC or RC cell layers was detected. Thus, response to the metabolites is dependent on chondrocytic differentiation and is site specific: the matrix vesicle fraction is targeted and not the cells per se.     

Isolation and identification of 1,25-dihydroxy-24-oxo-vitamin D3 and 1,23,25-trihydroxy-24-oxo-vitamin D3. New metabolites of vitamin D3 produced by a C-24 oxidation pathway of metabolism for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 present in intestine and kidney

Two new vitamin D metabolites were isolated in pure form from separate incubations of homogenates of chick small intestinal mucosa or rat kidney employing either 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (28 microM) or 1 alpha,24R,25-trihydroxyvitamin D3 as substrate (0.17-1.3 microM). The newly characterized compounds and the amounts isolated in pure form from separate isolations are, respectively: 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-24-oxo-vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2-24-oxo-D3), 147 micrograms from kidney and 4.2 and 40 micrograms from intestine; 1 alpha,23,25-trihydroxy-24-oxo-vitamin D3 (1,23,25(OH)3-24-oxo-D3), 155 micrograms from kidney and 5.9 and 34 micrograms from intestine. Their structures were identified after extensive high pressure liquid chromatography by means of ultraviolet absorption spectrometry, mass spectrometry of the free compounds and their trimethylsilylated derivatives, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, specific chemical reduction of the 24-oxo functionality with sodium borohydride, as well as direct comparison with synthetic 1,25(OH)2-24-oxo-D3. These structural assignments for both compounds correct previous determinations which had been proposed (Ohnuma, N., Kruse, J. R., Popjak, G., and Norman, A. W. (1982) J. Biol. Chem. 257, 5097-5102). The activity of the C-24 oxidation pathway used for the production of the 1,25(OH)2-24-oxo-D3 and 1,23,25(OH)3-24-oxo-D3 can be enhanced 10-fold by prior priming of the chicks or rats with a single intravenous dose of 1,25(OH)2D3 (1-12 nmol/100 g body weight); the induction of the enzyme activity is maximal by 3-6 h and returns to basal levels within 12 h. Further, 1,25(OH)2D3, 1,24,25(OH)3D3, and 1,25(OH)2-24-oxo-D3 all were found to be capable of serving as a precursor with chick intestine and rat kidney homogenates of 1,23,25(OH)3-24-oxo-D3. Collectively these results suggest the existence of a C-24 oxidation pathway for metabolism of 1,25(OH)2D3 by the target intestinal mucosa and kidney to 1,23,25(OH)3-24-oxo-D3. The pathway may play an important role in controlling the tissue levels of this hormonally active form of vitamin D3.     

Phosphate uptake in chick kidney cells: effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3

Phosphate homeostasis is controlled in part by absorption from the intestine, and reabsorption in the kidney. While the effect of Vitamin D metabolites on enterocytes is well documented, in the current study we assess selected responses in primary cultures of kidney cells. Time course studies revealed a rapid stimulation of phosphate uptake in cells treated with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3), relative to controls. Dose-response studies indicated a biphasic curve with optimal stimulation at 300 pM 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and inhibition at 600 pM seco-steroid. Antibody 099--against the 1,25D(3)-MARRS receptor - abolished stimulation by the steroid hormone. Moreover, phosphate uptake was mediated by the protein kinase C pathway. The metabolite 24,25(OH)(2)D(3), which was found to inhibit the rapid stimulation of phosphate uptake in intestinal cells, had a parallel effect in cultured kidney cells. Finally, the 24,25(OH)(2)D(3) binding protein, catalase, was assessed for longer term down regulation. In both intestinal epithelial cells and kidney cells incubated with 24,25(OH)(2)D(3) for 5-24h, both the specific activity of the enzyme and protein levels were decreased relative to controls, while 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) increased both parameters over the same time periods. We conclude that the Vitamin D metabolites have similar effects in both kidney and intestine, and that 24,25(OH)(2)D(3) may have effects at the level of gene expression.     

Responses of rachitic cartilage cells to metabolites of vitamin D3

Responses of cultured cartilage cells to metabolites of vitamin D3 were studied. Cells were obtained from the epiphyseal growth plate of rachitic chicks and were exposed to physiological and pharmacological concentrations of three metabolites of vitamin D3, 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3). 1,25(OH)2D3 was found to reduce L-[U-14C]leucine incorporation into proteins and Na2 35SO4 incorporation into proteoglycans. The synthesis of 24,25(OH)2D3 from 25(OH)D3 was stimulated upon addition of 1,25(OH)2D3 to the cultures. Physiological concentrations of 24,25(OH)2D3 stimulated protein and proteoglycan synthesis. These findings support the notion that vitamin D3, through its active dihydroxylated metabolites, is directly involved in cartilage cells metabolism and healing of rickets.     

Mitochondrial alkaline phosphatase as an intracellular signal in the synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 in LLC-PK1 cells

In previous works we have found a mitochondrial alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity in LLC-PK1. The aim of this work has been to study the possible involvement of mitochondrial AP activity in the synthesis of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3) from the substrate 25(OH)D3. Renal phenotype LLC-PK1 cells were incubated with 25(OH)D3 as substrate and treated with or without 1,25(OH)2D3, forskolin, 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) and 1,25(OH)2D3 in conjunction with PMA. Incubation of LLC-PK1 cells with forskolin (adenylate cyclase activator) not only stimulated the 1-hydroxylase and inhibited the 24-hydroxylase activities but also increased the mitochondrial AP activity. The addition of 1,25(OH)2D3, the main activator of 24-hydroxylase, produced a decrease of mitochondrial AP activity, a decrease of 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis and an increase of the 24,25(OH)2D3 synthesis. Incubation with PMA, a potent activator of protein kinase C, did not produce any changes in mitochondrial AP activity, but an inhibition of 1,25(OH)2D3 and an activation of 24,25(OH)2D3 synthesis were found. Moreover, incubation of LLC-PK1 cells with PMA in conjunction with 1,25(OH)2D3 produced an additive effect in the decrease of 1,25(OH)2D3 and an increase of 24,25(OH)2D3 synthesis remaining mitochondrial AP activity as cells treated only with 1,25(OH)2D3. Our results suggest that mitochondrial AP activity could be involved as an intracellular signal in the regulation of 25(OH)D3 metabolism to the synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 in renal phenotype LLC-PK1 cells through cAMP protein kinase system.     

24,25(OH)2D3 enhances the calcemic effect of 1,25(OH)2D3

The effect of 24,25(OH)2D3 on 1,25(OH)2D3-induced hypercalcemia was studied in normal rats. Serum (S) levels and urinary excretion of Ca2+ (UCaV) were measured in (a) control rats, (b) rats receiving a daily sc injection of 54 ng 1,25(OH)2D3, (c) rats receiving 24,25(OH)2D3 in the same dose and same manner, and (d) rats receiving 1,25(OH)2D3 + 24,25(OH)2D3. The animals were housed in metabolic cages and 24-hr urine specimens were collected. After 24 hr SCa2+ increased similarly with 1,25(OH)2D3 and with 1,25(OH)2D3 + 24,25(OH)2D3, while 24,25(OH)2D3 alone did not change SCa2+. UCaV after 24 hr increased significantly less (P less than 0.025) with 1,25(OH)2D3 + 24,25(OH)2D3 than with 1,25(OH)2D3 alone. After 5 days of 1,25(OH)2D3, SCa2+ rose from 5.1 +/- 0.15 to 6.29 +/- 0.08 whereas 1,25(OH)2D3 + 24,25(OH)2D3 effected a greater increase in SCa2+ up to 6.63 +/- 0.09 (P less than 0.01). 24,25(OH)2D3 alone did not change SCa2+. UCaV after 5 days of treatment rose similarly with 1,25(OH)2D3 and with 1,25(OH)2D3 + 24,25(OH)2D3. After 10 days of 1,25(OH)2D3 SCa2+ was 6.17 +/- 0.15 meq/liter while with the combination SCa2+ rose to 6.74 +/- 0.2 (P less than 0.025). 24,25(OH)2D3 alone did not change SCa2+. These results show that (a) 24,25(OH)2D3 alone does not alter SCa2+ in normal rats, (b) combined administration of 1,25(OH)2D3 + 24,25(OH)2D3 enhances the hypercalcemic response to 1,25(OH)2D3 without a parallel increase in UCaV, and (c) it is suggested that the effect of 24,25(OH)2D3 on serum Ca2+ level, at least partly, may result from its hypocalciuric effect.     

Effects of 24,25(OH)2D3, 1,25(OH)2D3 and 25(OH)D3 on alkaline and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activities in fetal rat calvaria

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 24,25(OH)2D3, on alkaline phosphatase (AP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activities in fetal rat calvaria cultures. These actions were compared with those of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 1,25(OH)2D3, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, 25(OH)D3, in similar experimental conditions. At 10 min, 30 min and at 24 h incubation time, 1,25(OH)2D3 (10(-10)M) and 25(OH)D3 (10(-7) M) produced a significant increase in AP and TRAP activities compared to control group (without vitamin D metabolites). However, 24,25(OH)2D3 (10(-7) M) only produced effects on phosphatase activities similar to those produced by 1,25(OH)2D3 and 25(OH)D3, after 24 h incubation time. These findings suggest that 1,25(OH)2D3 and 25(OH)2D3 could carry out actions in minutes (nongenomic mechanism), while 24,25(OH)2D3 needs longer periods of time to perform its biological actions (genomic mechanism).     

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 induces 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase in a cultured monkey kidney cell line (LLC-MK2) apparently deficient in the high affinity receptor for the hormone

A consequence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) action in kidney is the enhanced production of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25-(OH)2D3). We have studied this apparent induction phenomenon in two established mammalian cell lines of renal origin. A porcine kidney cell line, LLC-PK1, was found to possess typical receptors for 1,25-(OH)2D3 which sediment at 3.3 S and bind to immobilized DNA. Saturation analysis of LLC-PK1 cell cytosol revealed an equilibrium binding constant (Kd) for 1,25-(OH)2D3 of 7.8 X 10(-11) M and a concentration of 5400 binding sites/cell. In the presence of serum, intact LLC-PK1 cells also internalize and bind 1,25-(OH)2D3. In contrast, a monkey kidney cell line, LLC-MK2, was found to contain a negligible concentration of the 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor by all criteria examined. However, both renal cell lines respond to 1,25-(OH)2D3 with a 2- to 20-fold increase in basal levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase (24-hydroxylase) activity. Incubation of viable cell suspensions with 25-hydroxy[26,27-3H]vitamin D3 (0.5 microM) at 37 degrees C for 30 min followed by subsequent analysis of lipid extracts via high performance liquid chromatography was carried out to assess 24,25-(OH)2[3H]D3 formation. Enzyme induction was found to be specific for 1,25-(OH)2D3 in both cell lines with half-maximal stimulation of 24-hydroxylase activity observed at 0.2 and greater than or equal to 1.0 nM 1,25-(OH)2D3 in LLC-PK1 and LLC-MK2, respectively. The response in LLC-PK1 was more rapid (1-4 h) than in LLC-MK2 (4-8 h) following 1,25-(OH)2D3 treatment of cultures in situ. In both cell lines, actinomycin D abolished the 1,25-(OH)2D3-dependent increase in 24-hydroxylase activity. Our results suggest that the high affinity 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor may not be required for 1,25-(OH)2D3-dependent induction of renal 24-hydroxylase activity. Alternatively, LLC-MK2 cells could contain an atypical form of the 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor protein which retains functionality but escapes detection by standard binding techniques.     

Vitamin D3 metabolites in rat epididymis: high 24,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 levels in the cauda region

Normal male rats received six subcutaneous injections of 8.0 pmoles of tritiated 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 ([3H]25(OH)D3) or one intrajugular injection of 8.0 pmoles of high specific radioactivity [3H]-25(OH)D3. Lipid extracts of several tissues including the reproductive organs were subjected to sephadex LH-20 chromatography to determine the tissue distribution of the injected material and of the in vivo produced dihydroxylated cholecalciferol metabolites. The nature of the putative 25(OH)D3 and the 24,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3) from epididymis tissue was confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The epididymis levels of 24,25(OH)2D3 were considerably higher in the cauda epididymis compared to kidney and caput epididymis levels. The other metabolites levels in this tissue were similar to those determined in the kidneys. The amounts of the three metabolites found in all other tissues were well below the cauda epididymis or kidney levels. The findings suggest a possible physiological role for 24,25(OH)2D3 in the epididymis, and are also consistent with data of others which indicated a possible action of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) in rat reproductive tissues.     

Metabolism of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) and its C-3 epimer 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-3-epi-vitamin D(3) in neonatal human keratinocytes

We previously reported that 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3)] is metabolized into 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-3-epi-vitamin D(3) [1alpha,25(OH)(2)-3-epi-D(3)] in primary cultures of neonatal human keratinocytes. We now report that 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-3-epi-D(3) itself is further metabolized in human keratinocytes into several polar metabolites. One of the polar metabolite was unequivocally identified as 1alpha,23,25-trihydroxy-3-epi-vitamin D(3) by mass spectrometry and its sensitivity to sodium periodate. Three of the polar metabolites were identified as 1alpha,24,25-trihydroxy-3-epi-vitamin D(3), 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-24-oxo-3-epi-vitamin D(3) and 1alpha,23,25-trihydroxy-24-oxo-3-epi-vitamin D(3) by comigration with authentic standards on both straight and reverse phase HPLC systems. In addition to the polar metabolites, 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-3-epi-D(3) was also metabolized into two less polar metabolites. A possible structure of either 1alphaOH-3-epi-D(3)-20,25-cyclic ether or 1alphaOH-3-epi-D(3)-24,25-epoxide was assigned to one of the less polar metabolites through mass spectrometry. Thus, we indicate for the first time that 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-3-epi-D(3) is metabolized in neonatal human keratinocytes not only via the same C-24 and C-23 oxidation pathways like its parent, 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3); but also is metabolized into a less polar metabolite via a pathway that is unique to 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-3-epi-D(3).     

The quantitative determination of vitamin D3 and its metabolites in plasma

A method is described which enables determination of vitamin D3 and its physiologically most important metabolites, i.e. 25-OHD3, 24,25-(OH)2D3, 25,26-(OH)2D3 and 1,25-(OH)2D3 in a plasma sample of about 2 to 4 ml. The whole procedure involves two preparative and one analytical steps: Extraction with methanol/methylene chloride (2:1), chromatographic separation on Lipidex 5000 using a stepwise gradient of n-hexane and chloroform and finally HPLC separation on Zorbax-Sil columns with n-hexane isopropanol mixtures and subsequently reversed phase separation on RP 18-columns and mixtures of methanol and water. Except for 1,25-(OH)2D3 all D compounds were quantified by UV-detection with 1.4 ng of substance being the lowest detectable amount. 1,25-(OH)2D3 was measured by radioimmunoassay. Prior to HPLC analysis the extract was separated into three fractions on Lipidex 5000 which contained 1) vitamin D3, 2) 25-OHD3 and 3) the dihydroxy metabolites. The three fractions were separated by HPLC using different mixtures of isopropanol/n-hexane and methanol/water, respectively. Retention times of the individual D-components longer than 10 min appeared to be essential to separate these compounds from accompanying material. Overall recoveries of the individual metabolites were for vitamin D3 48.9%, for 25-OHD3 54.2%, for 24,25-(OH)2D3 50.9% and for 1,25-(OH)2D3 52.5%. Application of the methods to plasma samples from pigs with pseudovitamin D deficiency rickets, typ I, revealed a reduced concentration of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and 24,25-(OH)2D3 and an elevated level of 25-OHD3 in these animals. The results obtained by this method contributed substantially to a better understanding of the aetiological factors associated with this disease.     

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 decreases alkaline phosphatase activity in cultures of embryonic chick tibiae

The influence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] on the alkaline phosphatase (AlPase) activity in cultures of chick embryo tibiae was determined. A dose-related, decreased release (30-47%) of AlPase from the bones was seen with the metabolite at 0.05-0.5 ng/ml of medium with a similar effect on the bone content of enzyme. The highest dose (1 ng/ml) decreased the bone content by 38% without further effect on AlPase release. Combining a low level of 1,25(OH)2D3 (0.05 ng/ml) with parathyroid hormone (PTH, 1 U/ml) reduced release of enzyme additively, but caused no greater decrease in bone content of activity than PTH alone. No effects of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25(OH)2D3, 0.5 ng/ml] on release or bone content of AlPase were found when this metabolite was added alone or in combination with PTH; however, 24,25(OH)2D3 did prevent the inhibition of release of AlPase when added with 1,25(OH)2D3. After a 1-day exposure to 1,25(OH)2D3, continued incubation in metabolite-free medium resulted in an 89% increase in bone content of AlPase. The results suggest that 1,25(OH)2D3, as well as PTH, may have regulatory roles in bone growth through their effects on AlPase.     

Seasonal fluctuations in serum concentrations of vitamin D metabolites in normal subjects.

Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD), 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (24,25-(OH)2D), and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-(OH)2D) were measured at monthly intervals throughout the year in eight normal subjects. 25-OHD was measured by competitive protein-binding assay after Sephadex LH 20 chromatography, 24,25-(OH)2D by competitive protein-binding assay after Sephadex LH 20 and high-pressure chromatography, and 1,25-(OH)2D by radioimmunoassay after the same separation procedure as for 24,25-(OH)2D. A seasonal variation, apparently dependent on exposure to ultraviolet light, was found for all three metabolites. A study in six other normal subjects showed that there was no diurnal rhythm in any of the metabolites. Oral administration of 2 microgram 1,25-(OH)2D caused a sharp rise in serum concentrations of 1,25-(OH)2D and no change in the concentrations of the two other metabolites, but by 12 hours the 1,25-(OH)2D concentration had returned to the basal value. The concentrations of all three metabolites studied vary according to the season. Thus to interpret these concentrations in any subject the normal range for the particular season must be referred to.     

Effects of 24R,25- and 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on mineralizing growth plate chondrocytes

Time- and dosage-dependent effects of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and 24,25(OH)(2)D(3) on primary cultures of pre- and post-confluent avian growth plate (GP) chondrocytes were examined. Cultures were grown in either a serum-containing culture medium designed to closely mimic normal GP extracellular fluid (DATP5) or a commercially available serum-free media (HL-1) frequently used for studying skeletal cells. Hoechst DNA, Lowry protein, proteoglycan (PG), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium and phosphate mineral deposition in the extracellular matrix were measured. In preconfluent cultures grown in DATP5, physiological levels of 24,25(OH)(2)D(3) (0.10-10 nM) increased DNA, protein, and LDH activity significantly more than did 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) (0.01-1.0 nM). However, in HL-1, the reverse was true. Determining ratios of LDH and PG to DNA, protein, and each other, revealed that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) specifically increased PG, whereas 24,25(OH)(2)D(3) increased LDH. Post-confluent cells were generally less responsive, especially to 24,25(OH)(2)D(3). The positive anabolic effects of 24,25(OH)(2)D(3) required serum-containing GP-fluid-like culture medium. In contrast, effects of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) were most apparent in serum-free medium, but were still significant in serum-containing media. Administered to preconfluent cells in DATP5, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) caused rapid, powerful, dosage-dependent inhibition of Ca(2+) and Pi deposition. The lowest level tested (0.01 nM) caused >70% inhibition during the initial stages of mineral deposition; higher levels of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) caused progressively more profound and persistent reductions. In contrast, 24,25(OH)(2)D(3) increased mineral deposition 20-50%; it required >1 week, but the effects were specific, persistent, and largely dosage-independent. From a physiological perspective, these effects can be explained as follows: 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) levels rise in hypocalcemia; it stimulates gut absorption and releases Ca(2+) from bone to correct this deficiency. We now show that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) also conserves Ca(2+) by inhibiting mineralization. The slow anabolic effects of 24,25(OH)(2)D(3)are consistent with its production under eucalcemic conditions which enable bone formation. These findings, which implicate serum-binding proteins and accumulation of PG in modulating accessibility of the metabolites to GP chondrocytes, also help explain some discrepancies previously reported in the literature.     

Isolation and identification of 23,25-dihydroxy-24-oxo-vitamin D3: A metabolite of vitamin D3

A new metabolite of vitamin D₃ has been isolated in pure form from incubations of rat kidney homogenates with 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ [25-OH-D₃]. It was identified as 23,25-dihydroxy-24-oxo-vitamin D₃ [23,25(OH)₂-24-oxo-D₃] by means of ultraviolet absorption spectrophotometry and mass spectrometry. Also, 25-OH-D₃-26,23-lactone and 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ were obtained from the same incubation mixtures. The enzyme activity responsible for the conversion of 25-OH-D₃ to 23,25(OH)₂-24-oxo-D₃ was induced by perfusion of the kidneys $\text{in}\text{vitro}$ with 50 nM 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ [1,25(OH)₂D₃].     

Synthesis in vitro of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 by interferon-gamma-stimulated normal human bone marrow and alveolar macrophages

Cultured human macrophages from normal donors were examined for their capability to metabolize 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-(OH)D3). Upon exposure to recombinant human interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) both bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM) and pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) produced a polar 25-(OH)D3 metabolite which was purified from conditioned media and unequivocally identified as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) by UV-absorbance spectrophotometry and mass spectrometry. The BMM and PAM also synthesized a second 25-(OH)D3 metabolite which was structurally identified as 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25-(OH)2D3). The time course of 25-(OH)D3 metabolism by macrophages suggested that the production of 24,25-(OH)2D3 was stimulated by high intracellular levels of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and not by IFN-gamma. The 1,25-(OH)2D3 obtained from BMM and PAM promoted macrophage-like differentiation of promyelocytic HL-60 leukemia cells and inhibited IFN-gamma production by normal human lymphocytes. Our data suggest that locally high levels of 1,25-(OH)2D3 in the microenvironment of IFN-gamma-stimulated BMM and PAM may modulate the function of hormone-responsive cells.