24-Hydroxylation of 1,25-dihydroxyergocalciferol. An unambiguous deactivation process

1,24,25-Trihydroxyergocalciferol was isolated from bovine kidney homogenates incubated with 1,25-dihydroxyergocalciferol and from chick kidney homogenates incubated with 24,25-dihydroxyergocalciferol. The identity was established by ultraviolet absorbance, sensitivity to periodate, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry. The new metabolite had an affinity equal to 1,24,25-trihydroxycholecalciferol for the bovine-thymus and chick-intestinal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D receptor and had an affinity twice that of 1,24,25-trihydroxycholecalciferol for the rat-intestinal receptor. It was 3- and 6-fold less competitive than either 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol or 1,24,25-trihydroxycholecalciferol, respectively, for the rat plasma vitamin D transport protein. 1,24,25-Trihydroxyergocalciferol was at least 10-fold less active than 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, 1,25-dihydroxyergocalciferol, and 1,24,25-trihydroxycholecalciferol at stimulating intestinal-calcium transport and was also relatively ineffective at stimulating bone-calcium resorption in rats. Moreover, in rats, [3H]1,24,25-trihydroxyergocalciferol was cleared from plasma approximately 40% faster than [3H]1,24,25-trihydroxycholecalciferol. These data suggest that C-24 hydroxylation of 1,25-dihydroxyergocalciferol represents a significant in vivo deactivation step, whereas equivalent deactivation of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol seems to involve metabolic steps subsequent to C-24 hydroxylation (C-24 ketonization). C-24 ketonization of 1,25-trihydroxyergocalciferol would not be anticipated due to the presence of the 24(S)-methyl group. These results reveal further dissimilarities between ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol metabolism in mammals and suggest a mechanism for the lesser tendency of ergocalciferol to cause hypercalcemia relative to cholecalciferol.     

Determination of vitamin D and its metabolites in plasma from normal and anephric man

A multiple assay capable of reliably determining vitamins D(2) and D(3) (ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol), 25(OH)D(2) (25-hydroxyvitamin D(2)) and 25(OH)D(3) (25-hydroxyvitamin D(3)), 24,25(OH)(2)D (24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D), 25,26(OH)(2)D (25,26-dihydroxyvitamin D) and 1,25(OH)(2)D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D) in a single 3-5ml sample of human plasma was developed. The procedure involves methanol/methylene chloride extraction of plasma lipids followed by separation of the metabolites and purification from interfering contaminants by batch elution chromatography on Sephadex LH-20 and Lipidex 5000 and by h.p.l.c. (high-pressure liquid chromatography). Vitamins D(2) and D(3) and 25(OH)D(2) and 25(OH)D(3) are quantified by h.p.l.c. by using u.v. detection, comparing their peak heights with those of standards. 24,25(OH)(2)D and 25,26(OH)(2)D are measured by competitive protein-binding assay with diluted plasma from vitamin D-deficient rats. 1,25(OH)(2)D is measured by competitive protein-binding assay with diluted cytosol from vitamin D-deficient chick intestine. Values in normal human plasma samples taken in February are: vitamin D 3.5+/-2.5ng/ml; 25(OH)D 31.6+/-9.3ng/ml; 24,25(OH)(2)D 3.5+/-1.4ng/ml; 25,26(OH)(2)D 0.7+/-0.5ng/ml; 1,25(OH)(2)D 31+/-9pg/ml (means+/-s.d.). Values in two normal human plasma samples taken in February after 1 week of high sun exposure are: vitamin D 27.1+/-7.9ng/ml; 25(OH)D 56.8+/-4.2ng/ml; 24,25(OH)(2)D 4.3+/-1.6ng/ml; 25,26(OH)(2)D 0.5+/-0.2ng/ml. Values in anephric-human plasma are: vitamin D 2.7+/-0.8ng/ml; 25(OH)D 36.4+/-16.5ng/ml; 24,25(OH)(2)D 1.9+/-1.3ng/ml; 25,26(OH)(2)D 0.6+/-0.3ng/ml; 1,25(OH)(2)D was undetectable.     

Enzyme studies on the esterification of vitamin D in rat tissues

1. The mechanism of vitamin D esterification in the rat was studied with liver, small-intestinal mucosa, pancreatic juice and blood plasma as enzyme sources and [1-(3)H]cholecalciferol, [U-(14)C]ergocalciferol and [4-(14)C]cholesterol as substrates. 2. No esterification of vitamin D could be detected with liver preparations nor with homogenates or acetone-dried powder extracts of intestinal mucosa. 3. Pancreatic juice esterified [1-(3)H]cholecalciferol with oleic acid, and specificity studies indicated that a cholesterol-esterifying enzyme was using vitamin D as substrate. 4. Plasma cholesterol-esterifying enzyme also esterified vitamin D. 5. The specificity of the esterification reaction is discussed in relation to (a) the molecular structure of the substrates and (b) their availability, in a micellar solution, to the enzyme. 6. It is concluded that cholesterol-esterifying enzymes esterify vitamin D in vivo during absorption from the small intestine and while it is transported in blood.     

Synthesis of 25-hydroxy-[26,27-3H]vitamin D2, 1,25-dihydroxy-[26,27-3H]vitamin D2 and their (24R)-epimers

Synthesis of a C-24-epimeric mixture of 25-hydroxy-[26,27-3H]vitamin D2 and a C-24-epimeric mixture of 1,25-dihydroxy-[26,27-3H]vitamin D2 by the Grignard reaction of the corresponding 25-keto-27-nor-vitamin D2 and 1 alpha-acetoxy-25-keto-27-nor-vitamin D3 with tritiated methyl magnesium bromide is described. Separation of epimers by high-performance liquid chromatography afforded pure radiolabeled vitamins of high specific activity (80 Ci/mmol). The identities and radiochemical purities of 25-hydroxy-[26,27-3H[vitamin D2 and 1,25-dihydroxy-[26,27-3H]vitamin D2 D2 were established by cochromatography with synthetic 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2. Biological activity of 25-hydroxy-[26,27-3H]vitamin D2 was demonstrated by its binding to the rat plasma binding protein for vitamin D compounds, and by its in vitro conversion to 1,25-dihydroxy-[26,27-3H]vitamin D2 by kidney homogenate prepared from vitamin D-deficient chickens. The biological activity of 1,25-dihydroxy-[26,27-3H]vitamin D2 was demonstrated by its binding to the chick intestinal receptor for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.     

Synthesis of 1 alpha-hydroxy[7-3H]cholecalciferol and its metabolism in the chick.

1. 1 alpha-Hydroxy[7-3H]cholecalciferol (specific radioactivity of 2-Ci/mmol) was synthesized, and its metabolism in chicks studied. 2. 1 alpha-Hydroxy[7-3H]cholecalciferol was metabolized very rapidly in the chick to 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy[7-3H]cholecalciferol and to a metabolite less polar than 1 alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol. Intestine exhibited highest accumulation of 1 alpha-25-dihydroxy[7-3H]cholecalciferol, and liver exhibited highest accumulation of the non-polar metabolite. 3. Tissue uptake of 1 alpha-hydroxy[7-3H]cholecalciferol and its metabolites in chicks that were dosed continuously for 16 days with 1 alpha-hydroxy[7-3H]cholecalciferol did not exceed by very much that observed in tissues obtained from chicks that were dosed with a single injection of 1 alpha-hydroxy[7-3H]cholecalciferol 24 h before killing, except for liver and kidney. 4. Lowest accumulation of metabolites was noted in muscle and bone, and for the latter, highest uptake of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy[7-3H]cholecalciferol was noted in the epiphysial periosteum and the metaphysis. 5. Formation of 1 alpha,24,25-trihydroxy[7-3H]cholecalciferol was not observed in the chicks that were dosed continuously with 1 alpha-hydroxy[7-3H]cholecalciferol, despite the fact that plasma calcium and phosphorus were normal and despite the presence of renal 24-hydroxylase activity. 6. The vitamin D status of the chicks did not appear to affect the metabolic profile of the administered 1 alpha-hydroxy[7-3H]cholecalciferol.     

High dietary cholecalciferol increases plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentration, but does not attenuate the hypertension of Dahl salt-sensitive rats fed a high salt diet

The Dahl salt-sensitive rat, a model for salt-induced hypertension, develops hypovitaminosis D during high salt intake, which is caused by loss of protein-bound vitamin D metabolites into urine. We tested the hypothesis that high dietary cholecalciferol (5- and 10-fold standard) would increase plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD(3)) concentration (indicator of vitamin D status) of salt-sensitive rats during high salt intake. Salt-sensitive rats were fed 0.3% salt (low salt, LS), 3% salt (HS), 3% salt and 7.5 microg cholecalciferol/d (HS-D5), or 3% salt and 15 microg cholecalciferol/d (HS-D10) and sacrificed at week 4. Plasma 25-OHD(3) concentrations of the two groups of HS-D rats were similar to that of LS rats and more than twice that of HS rats. Urinary cholecalciferol metabolite content of HS-D rats was more than seven times that of HS rats. Systolic blood pressures of the hypertensive HS and HS-D rats did not significantly differ, whereas LS rats were not hypertensive. We conclude that high dietary cholecalciferol increases plasma 25-OHD(3) concentration, but does not attenuate the hypertension of salt-sensitive rats during high salt intake. Low salt intake may be necessary to both maintain optimal vitamin D status and prevent hypertension in salt-sensitive individuals.     

26-Hydroxylation of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 does not occur under physiological conditions

The 26-hydroxylation of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in rats in vitro and in vivo was studied under physiological conditions. Incubation of 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-[26,27-3H]vitamin D3 with rat kidney or rat liver homogenate showed formation of a metabolite that was identified as 1alpha,25(S),26-trihydroxy-[26,27-3H]vitamin D3 by comigration on three different HPLC systems and a periodate cleavage reaction. This metabolite was not generated by hydroxylation of 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-[26,27-3H]vitamin D3 itself but by an enzymatic conversion of a precursor that was formed nonenzymatically in substantial amounts upon storage of 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-[26,27-3H]vitamin D3 in ethanol at -20 degrees C under argon for more than three weeks. An in vivo metabolism study in rats dosed with a physiological dose of 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-[26,27-3H]vitamin D3 confirmed the absence of 26-hydroxylation of the hormone. As expected at 6 h postinjection of purified 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-[26,27-3H]vitamin D3, 1alpha,24(R),25-trihydroxy-[26,27-3H]vitamin D3, as well as traces of (23S,25R)-1alpha,25-dihydroxy-[3H]vitamin D3-lactone were detected and identified on straight phase and reverse phase HPLC in serum, kidney, and liver.     

Metabolism of vitamin D. A new cholecalciferol metabolite, involving loss of hydrogen at C-1, in chick intestinal nuclei

1. A comparison was made of the nature and intestinal intracellular distribution of the metabolites formed in vitamin D-deficient chicks from [4-(14)C]cholecalciferol and [1-(3)H]cholecalciferol. 2. The simultaneous administration of the two radioactive substances showed the presence in blood, liver, intestine, kidney and bone of cholecalciferol, its ester, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and a further metabolite of cholecalciferol more polar than 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. The (3)H/(14)C ratios in these four radioactive components were the same as that of the dosed material (4.7:1) with the exception of the most polar material. The (3)H/(14)C ratio was lower in the fourth, most polar, metabolite (0.4:1-1.8:1) in all tissues examined, with the exception of blood. 3. In the chick intestine the polar metabolite accounted for almost 70% of the radioactivity in this tissue after a dose of 0.5mug. of [4-(14)C,1-(3)H]cholecalciferol. This polar metabolite from the intestine also had the lowest (3)H/(14)C ratio of all the tissues. It appears that in the chick intestine the polar metabolite reaches a maximum concentration of 1ng./g. of tissue, above which it cannot be increased irrespective of the dose of the vitamin. 4. The intestinal intracellular organelle with the highest concentration of (14)C radioactivity is the nucleus, and this radioactivity is almost entirely due to the polar metabolite with the lowered (3)H/(14)C ratio, in this case <0.2:1. It appears to be further localized in the chromatin of the nuclei. However, about half of the polar metabolite in the intestine is extranuclear. 5. Double-labelled 25-hydroxycholecalciferol was prepared and after its administration to vitamin D-deficient chicks the polar metabolite with the lowered (3)H/(14)C ratio was detected in liver, kidney, intestine, bone, muscle and heart. 6. None of the polar metabolite with the lowered (3)H/(14)C ratio was detected 16hr. after dosing with either the double-labelled vitamin or the double-labelled 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in blood and adipose tissue of vitamin D-deficient chicks, nor in the intestine, liver and kidney of supplemented birds. 7. The reasons for this loss of (3)H relative to (14)C are discussed in relation to possible chemical structures of this new polar metabolite.     

Reference concentrations of cholecalciferol in animals: a basis for establishing non-target exposure

Abstract

Cholecalciferol (vitamin D₃) is widely used as a vertebrate pesticide in New Zealand. However, cholecalciferol also occurs naturally in animals. Therefore, when trying to determine whether a non-target animal has been exposed to cholecalciferol baits, knowledge of the baseline cholecalciferol concentrations in the animal's plasma and tissue is required. We analysed cattle, sheep, pig, deer, dog and cat plasma and liver samples for the vitamin D₃ metabolite 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD), a sensitive biomarker for cholecalciferol. Based on these data and a literature search we present 25-OHD reference ranges. We also examined the literature for 25-OHD concentrations in poisoned animals and compared these to the reference ranges. Where plasma and liver samples have 25-OHD concentrations at least four times higher than our reference ranges it is likely that the animal has been exposed to cholecalciferol baits. 25-OHD concentrations 10 times higher than the reference range indicate ingestion of abnormally high amounts of cholecalciferol.     

Effect of vitamin D and its metabolites on developing myogenic cultures

Growth, protein synthesis and expression of creatine kinase (CK) by embryonic chick myogenic cells are inhibited by vitamin D and certain of its metabolites. 25-OH cholecalciferol was most active in concentrations of 10⁻⁵–10⁻⁶ M, with cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol less active in that order. Ergosterol had no activity of this sort. Inhibition of CK was most marked on the 4th and 5th day of culture and was due to suppression of the appearance of CK-MM and MB. CK-BB was not affected and CK-MB was more affected than CK-BB. Skin fibroblasts by comparison were slightly stimulated in growth at 10⁻⁶ M and much less affected at 10⁻⁵ M than the myogenic cells. It is suggested that vitamin D has a direct effect upon the muscle cell, to cause a selective diminution in the production of certain polypeptides.     

Metabolism of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) in vitamin D receptor-ablated mice in vivo

The metabolism of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) was studied in vitamin D receptor-ablated mice following the administration of a physiological dose of 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-[26,27-(3)H]vitamin D(3). The degradation of 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-[26,27-(3)H]vitamin D(3) in the vitamin D receptor null mutant mice was substantially reduced compared to the wild-type control mice. At 24 h postadministration of radiolabeled 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) more than 50% of the radioactivity was recovered unmetabolized, whereas in wild-type mice nearly all of the 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-[26,27-(3)H]vitamin D(3) was degraded. In wild-type mice three polar metabolites other than 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) were detected and identified on straight-phase and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography as 1alpha,24(R),25-trihydroxy-[26,27-(3)H]vitamin D(3), 1alpha,25(S),26-trihydroxy-[26,27-(3)H]vitamin D(3), and (23S, 25R)-1alpha,25-dihydroxy-[(3)H]vitamin D(3)-26,23-lactone. Only one metabolite was detected in the plasma and kidneys of vitamin D receptor null mutant mice at 3 h following an intrajugular dose of 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-[26,27-(3)H]vitamin D(3). This metabolite was clearly identified as 1alpha,25(S),26-trihydroxy-[26,27-(3)H]vitamin D(3) by comigration on two HPLC systems and periodate cleavage reaction. At 6, 12, and 24 h postinjection 1alpha,24(R), 25-trihydroxy-[26,27-(3)H]vitamin D(3) was also detected at low levels in plasma, kidneys, and liver of some but not all mutant mice. The presence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3)-24-hydroxylase mRNA in the kidneys of these vitamin D receptor null mutant mice was confirmed by ribonuclease protection assay.     

Isolation and identification of 1,23-dihydroxy-24,25,26,27-tetranorvitamin D3, a new metabolite of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 produced in rat kidney

A new metabolite of vitamin D3 was produced in vitro by perfusing rat kidneys with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (4 X 10(-6) M). It was isolated and purified from the lipid extract of the kidney perfusate by high-performance liquid chromatography. By means of ultraviolet absorption spectrophotometry, mass spectrometry, chemical derivatization, and chemical synthesis, the new metabolite was identified as 1,23-dihydroxy-24,25,26,27-tetranorvitamin D3. Along with the new metabolite, three other previously identified metabolites, namely, 1,24,25-trihydroxyvitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxy-24-oxovitamin D3, and 1,23,25-trihydroxy-24-oxovitamin D3, were also isolated. The new metabolite was also formed when 1,23,25-trihydroxy-24-oxovitamin D3 was used as the substrate. Thus, the new metabolite fits into the following metabolic pathway: 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3----1,24(R),25-trihydroxyvitamin D3----1,25-dihydroxy-24-oxovitamin D3----1,23,25-trihydroxy-24-oxovitamin D3----1,23-dihydroxy-24,25,26,27-tetranorvitamin D3. Further, we used 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy[1 beta-3H]vitamin D3 in the kidney perfusion system and demonstrated 1,23-dihydroxy-24,25,26,27-tetranorvitamin D3 as the major further metabolite of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, circulating in the final perfusate when kidneys were perfused with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (6 X 10(-10) M) for 4 h. The biological activity of 1,23-dihydroxy-24,25,26,27-tetranorvitamin D3 (C-3 alcohol) and its metabolic relationship to 1-hydroxy-23-carboxy-24,25,26,27-tetranorvitamin D3 (calcitroic acid or C-23 acid), the other previously identified side-chain cleavage metabolite of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, are unknown and are presently undergoing investigation.     

The synthesis and biological activity of 25-hydroxy-26,27-dimethylvitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxy-26,27-dimethylvitamin D3: highly potent novel analogs of vitamin D3

We synthesized 25-hydroxy-26,27-dimethylvitamin D3, 9, and 1,25-dihydroxy-26,27-dimethylvitamin D3, 14, from chol-5-enic acid-3 beta-ol and tested their biological activity in vivo and in vitro. 9 was found to be highly potent vitamin D analog with bioactivity similar to that of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. 9 bound to rat plasma vitamin D binding protein with approximately one-third the affinity of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. In a duodenal organ culture system and in a competitive binding assay with chick intestinal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D receptor, 9 was significantly more potent than 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. 1,25-Dihydroxy-26,27-dimethylvitamin D3, 14 was also highly active in vivo. At doses of 1000-5000 pmol/rat, its action was more sustained than that of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. 14 bound to vitamin D binding protein about 18 times less effectively than 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. 14 bound to the chick intestinal cytosol receptor with an affinity one-half that of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. In a duodenal organ culture system, 14 was about half as active as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Extension of the sterol side chain, at C-26 and C-27, by methylene groups, prolongs the bioactivity of a vitamin D sterol hydroxylated at C-1 and C-25; the corresponding sterol, hydroxylated only at C-25, does not show any alteration of its bioactivity in vivo. These newly synthesized analogs may potentially be of therapeutic use in various mineral disorders.     

1 Alpha-25,26-trihydroxyvitamin D3: an in vivo and in vitro metabolite of vitamin D3

A new metabolite of vitamin D3 has been isolated from the plasma of vitamin D3 treated cows and has been generated from 25(S),26-dihydroxyvitamin D3 with homogenates of vitamin D deficient chick kidney. This metabolite has been identified as 1,25,26-trihydroxyvitamin D3 by comigration with synthetic 1,25(S),26-trihydroxyvitamin D3 in four chromatographic systems, ultraviolet spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and high-pressure liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry of derivatives. 1,25(S),26-Trihydroxyvitamin D3 is one-tenth as effective as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in binding to the chick intestinal cytosol 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D receptor. Either 25(S),26-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 can serve as precursor for in vitro production of 1,25,26-trihydroxyvitamin D3 by chick kidney tissue.     

Isolation and identification of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-26,23-peroxylactone. A novel in vivo metabolite of vitamin D3

A new vitamin D3 metabolite was isolated in pure form (18.2 micrograms) from the serum of rats given large doses (two doses of 26 mumol/rat) of vitamin D3. The new metabolite has been unequivocally identified as 3 beta, 25-dihydroxy-9,10-seco-5,7,10(19)-cholestatrieno-26,23-peroxylactone by ultraviolet absorption spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry, mass spectrometry, field desorption mass spectrometry, and specific chemical reaction with triphenyl phosphine. The stereochemical configuration at the C-23 and c-25 positions of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-26-23-peroxylactone was definitely determined to be the 23(S)25(R),25-hydroxyvitamin D3-26,23-peroxylactone is suggested for this metabolite. The isolation involved chloroform-methanol extraction and four column chromatographic procedures. The metabolite purification and elution position on these columns were followed by UV measurement at 264 nm. This metabolite was ultimately resolved from the previously known 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-26,23-lactone by high pressure liquid chromatography using a Zorbax Sil column. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-26,23-peroxylactone was converted upon storage at room temperature or -20 degrees C into the 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-26,23-lactone. Since under the conditions of this isolation only the 26,23-peroxylactone and no 26,23-lactone of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 was present in the rat serum, this suggests that the 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-26,23-peroxylactone is the naturally occurring metabolite.     

Comparison of equilibrium and disequilibrium assay conditions for ergocalciferol, cholecalciferol and their major metabolites

The comparison of equilibrium and disequilibrium assay conditions for ergocalciferol, cholecalciferol and their major metabolites were investigated to evaluate: (1) optimization of sensitivity (2) crossreactivity of these compounds in their respective assays and (3) side chain steric requirements of the vitamin D molecule for optimum binding to the calciferol binding protein or bovine thymus receptor. Disequilibrium assay conditions improved assay sensitivity 30-fold for the calciferol assay and approx 3-fold for metabolites in the 25-hydroxycalciferol and 1,25-dihydroxycalciferol assays. Ergocalciferol compounds were uniformly less efficient in their association with the proteins tested than were their cholecalciferol counterparts, with one exception. In the calciferol assay, cholecalciferol had greater affinity for the the calciferol binding protein than did ergocalciferol. In the 25-hydroxycalciferol assay affinity for the calciferol binding protein was 25-hydroxycholecalciferol = 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol greater than 25-hydroxyergocalciferol greater than 25S,26-dihydroxycholecalciferol greater than 24,25-dihydroxyergocalciferol greater than 25,26-dihydroxyergocalciferol. In the assay for 1,25-dihydroxycalciferol, bovine thymus receptor recognized 1,25-dihydroxyergocalciferol and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol equally. From the forthcoming data it appears that hydroxyl and/or methyl groups on the calciferol side chain alter the ability of these physiological compounds to associate with the calciferol binding protein.     

Synthesis of [1,2-3H2]cholecalciferol and metabolism of [4-14C,1,2-3H2]- and [4-14C,1-3H]-cholecalciferol in rachitic rats and chicks

[1,2-(3)H(2)]Cholecalciferol has been synthesized with a specific radioactivity of 508mCi/mmol by using tristriphenylphosphinerhodium chloride, the homogeneous hydrogen catalyst. With doses of 125ng (5i.u.) of [4-(14)C,1-(3)H(2)]cholecalciferol the tissue distribution in rachitic rats of cholecalciferol and its metabolites (25-hydroxycholecalciferol and peak P material) was similar to that found in chicken with 500ng doses of the double-labelled vitamin. The only exceptions were rat kidney, with a very high concentration of vitamin D, and rat blood, with a higher proportion of peak P material, containing a substance formed from vitamin D with the loss of hydrogen from C-1. Substance P formed from [4-(14)C,1,2-(3)H(2)]cholecalciferol retained 36% of (3)H, the amount expected from its distribution between C-1 and C-2, the (3)H at C-1 being lost. 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol does not seem to have any specific intracellular localization within the intestine of rachitic chicks. The (3)H-deficient substance P was present in the intestine and bone 1h after a dose of vitamin D and 30min after 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. There was very little 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in intestine at any time-interval, but bone and blood continued to take it up over the 8h experimental period. It is suggested that the intestinal (3)H-deficient substance P originates from outside this tissue. The polar metabolite found in blood and which has retained its (3)H at C-1 is not a precursor of the intestinal (3)H-deficient substance P.     

A Prospective Study of Commonly Utilized Regimens of Vitamin d Replacement and Maintenance Therapy in Adults

Objective: To determine which vitamin D dose, formulation, and schedule most effectively and safely achieves a 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25&lsqb;OH]D) level of >30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L).Methods: In this prospective study, 100 subjects from the NY Harbor HCS Brooklyn Campus, ages 25 to 85 years, with 25(OH)D <30 ng/mL (<75 nmol/L), were randomized into four groups: cholecalciferol (D3) 2,000 international units (IU) daily; D3 3,000 IU daily; ergocalciferol (D2) 50,000 IU weekly; and D2 50,000 IU twice weekly. All were supplemented with 500 mg calcium carbonate daily. 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), urinary calcium, urinary creatinine, and other variables were measured during 7 visits over 12 months.Results: All groups achieved a mean vitamin D level >30 ng/mL (>75 nmol/L) by visit 4 (5 months). Those receiving 50,000 IU D2 twice weekly displayed the most rapid and robust response, with 25(OH)D reaching >30 ng/mL (>75 nmol/L) after only 1 month and plateauing at 60 ng/mL (150 nmol/L) by 7 months. Although no statistically significant difference was seen in mean 25(OH)D levels between groups 1 through 3, subjects on 50,000 IU D2 weekly more consistently showed higher mean levels than either groups 1 or 2. No episodes of significant hypercalcemia occurred. There was a negative correlation in mean PTH levels and mean vitamin D levels in group 4 and all groups combined.Conclusion: All four schedules of vitamin D replacement were effective in safely achieving and maintaining 25(OH)D >30 ng/mL (>75 nmol/L). D2 50,000 IU twice weekly provided the most rapid attainment and highest mean levels of vitamin D.Abbreviations: 25(OH)D = 25-hydroxyvitamin D; BMI = body mass index; BUN = blood urea nitrogen; Ca/Cr = calcium/creatinine; D2 = ergocalciferol; D3 = cholecalciferol; IU = international units; PTH = parathyroid hormone     

Biological activity of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2 in the chick.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D2 has been prepared from 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 using rachitic chick kidney mitochondria. This metabolite was highly purified by Sephadex LH-20 chromatography and by preparative high-pressure liquid chromatography. Its purity was assessed by analytical high-pressure liquid chromatography which revealed no other 254-nm absorbing material and by mass spectrometry. The concentration of dilute solutions of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2 was determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography and deflection of the 254-nm column monitor. The 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2 was then shown to be 1/5 to 1/10 as active as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in the chick while it had previously been shown to be equal in activity in the rat. Thus, discrimination against the vitamin D2 side chain by the chick persists in the metabolically active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D compounds.     

25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 26,23-lactone: a new in vivo metabolite of vitamin D.

A major vitamin D metabolite was isolated in pure form from the blood plasma of chicks either maintenance levels or large doses of vitamin D3. The isolation involved methanol-chloroform extraction and five column chromatographic procedures. The metabolite purification and elution position on these columns were followed by a competitive protein binding assay. The metabolite was identified, using high- and low-resolution mass spectrometry, 270-MHz proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, ultraviolet absorption spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry, and specific chemical reactions, as 3 beta,-25-dihydroxy-9,10-seco-5,7,10(19)-cholestatrieno-26,23-lactone. The trivial names 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 26,23-lactone or calcidiol 26,23-lactone are suggested for this compound.