Relationship of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 side chain structure to biological activity

27-nor-25-Hydroxyvitamin D3, 26,27-bisnor-25-hydroxyvitamin D3, and 22-27-hexanor-20-hydroxyvitamin D3 and the corresponding 5,6-trans isomers have been synthesized. All compounds were tested for their ability to induce intestinal calcium transport and bone calcium mobilization in normal and anephric rats. The 27-nor- and 26,27-bisnor-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 analog are capable of stimulating intestinal calcium transport and bone calcium mobilization in normal rats but are 10 to 100 times less active than 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. Although these analogs are inactive in anephric rats, their corresponding 5,6-trans isomer are capable of stimulating both intestine and bone activity in these animals. The 22-27-hexanor-20-hydroxyvitamin D3 and its corresponding 5,6-trans isomer are incapable of stimulating either intestinal calcium transport or bone calcium mobilization. These results suggest that minor alterations in the side chain significantly decrease the biopotency of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. Since these analogs are biologically active in normal but not in anephric animals, it appears that the kidney 1alpha-hydroxylation is necessary for activity. Since 22-27-hexanor=20-hydroxyvitamin D3 and its corresponding 5,6-trans analog are biologically inactive, it is likely that at least part of the side chain is necessary for 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to stimulate intestinal calcium transport and bone calcium mobilization.

Demonstration of the rapid action of pure crystalline 1 alpha-hydroxy vitamin D3 and 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 on intestinal calcium uptake

The biological effects of crystalline 1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 and crystalline 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 have been compared on the intestinal uptake of calcium-45 by everted duodenal gut sacs from rachitic rats. Peak calcium-45 uptake was observed 1 hr after intravenous administration and both crystalline vitamin D2 analogs were of comparable potency. The rapid onset of calcium-45 uptake and the rapid attainment of maximal calcium-45 transport suggests a direct effect of these crystalline analogs on the mucosal membranes of the intestinal cell.

The effect of Prednisolone upon the metabolism and action of 25-hydroxy-and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

Treatment of vitamin D-deficient rats with Prednisolone(R) does not alter the rate of conversion of [(3)H]25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) to [(3)H]1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3), but the further conversion of [(3)H]1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) to a more polar metabolite is more rapid in the Prednisolone(R)-treated animals. This more polar metabolite is biologically inactive, periodate-insensitive, and persists in the intestine as long as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3). Also, the time course of action of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) upon intestinal calcium transport is altered by Prednisolone(R) treatment. Treatment with Prednisolone(R) did not change the magnitude of the initial response to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) at 7 hr, but did decrease the response at 24 and 48 hr after a single dose of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3). The present results show that one of the means by which large doses of adrenal corticoids alter intestinal calcium transport is by stimulating the further metabolism of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) to a more polar, biologically inactive intestinal metabolite.

Rapid enhancement of chick intestinal DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II activity by 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, in vivo

1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) was examined for its ability to affect the DNA-dependent RNA polymerases (nucleosidetriphosphate:RNA nucleotidyltransferase, EC 2.7.7.6) of rachitic chick intestinal cell nuclei in vivo. Nucleoplasmic (form II) RNA polymerase activity was stimulated 2-fold (P < 0.05) within 2-3 hr after an oral dose of 0.27 mug (0.65 nmol) of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) to rachitic chicks. The form II polymerase activity returned to control values by 5-9 hr after dosing with the sterol. In contrast, the nucleolar (form I) RNA polymerase was not increased within this period. Solubilization of nuclear protein and resolution of the two RNA polymerases on DEAE-Sephadex also revealed that there was an increase in polymerase II activity when assayed on exogenous DNA template. This evidence suggests that 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) acts at the level of the enzymology of intestinal cell transcription and that increased mRNA synthesis after administration of this hormone cannot be due solely to a change in chromatin template activity.

Role of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in maintaining serum phosphorus and curing rickets

The intravenous injection of a single dose of 650 pmoles of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) to rats fed a vitamin D-deficient, low-phosphorus diet caused an elevation of serum phosphorus within 5 hours which reached a maximum in about 10-12 hours. This elevated serum phosphorus returned to deficiency levels 2-3 days later. On the other hand, a single injection of 650 pmoles of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) produced a significant rise at 12 hours, reached a maximum in 24-36 hours, and was maintained for at least 7 days. The single dose of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) supported little calcification of bone, whereas the 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) produced marked calcification. Six-hundred and fifty pmoles of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) increased serum phosphorus only slightly and induced no calcification. When 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) was given each day, a sustained increase in serum phosphorus and marked bone calcification resulted. In contrast to the serum phosphorus responses, intestinal calcium transport remained high 5 days after administration of a single dose of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3). Serum calcium was not changed appreciably by any of the metabolites. Thyroparathyroidectomized rats or rats fed a diet extremely deficient in phosphate still exhibited a marked elevation of serum phosphorus in response to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3). The effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) on serum phosphorus was greatly reduced in nephrectomized rats, suggesting that the serum phosphorus response to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) may arise from an enhancement of phosphate reabsorption in the renal tubules. It is suggested that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) cures rickets in rats by increasing the concentration of serum phosphorus rather than by increasing serum calcium concentration and calcium absorption.

Study of the renal tubular interactions of thyrocalcitonin, cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, and calcium ion

Acute clearance studies were performed in thyroparathyroidectomized animals to determine the actions and interactions of thyrocalcitonin (TCT), cyclic adenosine 3'5'-monophosphate (cAMP), 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25HCC), and calcium ion on the reabsorption of phosphate, calcium, sodium, and potassium by the kidney. The infusion of 25HCC in a dosage of 60 U/h to moderately saline-expanded animals (2.5% body weight) induced a fall in the excretion of all of the ions under study after 90-120 min similar to that observed in previous experiments from this laboratory. Mean decrements in fractional excretion were: phosphate, 42.0% (P < 0.005); calcium, 25.0% (P < 0.005); sodium, 23.4% (P < 0.001); and potassium, 14.7% (P < 0.005). The superimposition of either porcine or salmon TCT (1-100 MRC U/h for 2 h) resulted in no further alterations in electrolyte excretion. However, the infusion of TCT during steady-state saline expansion, before the administration of 25HCC, obviated the renal transport effects of the vitamin D metabolite. Both in the latter studies, as well as those in which similar doses of TCT were given to hydropenic animals, the hormone itself failed to induce any consistent alteration in electrolyte excretion. Cyclic AMP (50 mg/h) caused an increase in the excretion of phosphate, sodium, and potassium and no change in calcium excretion. Like TCT, the nucleotide blocked the action of 25HCC on the kidney. Raising the mean level of serum ultrafilterable calcium to 3.02+/-0.25 mEq/liter from 1.62+/-0.17 mEq/liter likewise prevented enhanced ionic reabsorption due to 25HCC.

The acute effect of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol on renal handling of phosphorus. Evidence for a parathyroid hormone-dependent mechanism

The acute effect of i.v. and direct intrarenal arterial infusion of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25HCC) and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-DHCC) on renal handling of phosphorus was evaluated in the following groups of rats: (a) intact animals, (b) parathyroidectomized (PTX) hypocalcemic rats, (c) PTX rats in which normocalcemia was maintained with calcium supplements and (d) PTX animals in which urinary phosphorus was augmented by (i) i.v. sodium phosphate, (ii) expansion of the extracellular fluid volume with normal saline, and (iii) i.v. parathyroid hormone (PTH). Clearances of inulin (C(In)), phosphorus (C(P)), and fractional clearances of phosphorus (C(P)/C(In)) of the experimental groups were compared with those of the corresponding control groups, and the clearances of the infused kidneys with those of the contralateral kidneys. In intact animals, i.v. 25HCC decreased C(P)/C(In) from 0.29+/-0.04 (mean +/-SE) to 0.19+/-0.04, and i.v. 1,25-DHCC decreased C(P)/C(In) from 0.25+/-0.04 to 0.15+/-0.02. The intrarenal infusion of both 25HCC and 1,25DHCC into intact animals failed to produce a unilateral change; however, it decreased C(P)/C(In) bilaterally. i.v. and intrarenal infusions of 25HCC or 1,25DHCC in PTX hypocalcemic and normocalcemic rats, and i.v. infusions of 25HCC in PTX rats receiving either sodium phosphate or normal saline, all failed to produce significant changes in C(P)/C(In). In contrast, 24HCC given i.v. to PTX animals receiving exogenous PTH was associated with a significant fall in C(P)/C(In), from 0.34+/-0.08 to 0.13+/-0.02. These results indicate that 25HCC enhances tubular reabsorption of phosphorus in rats, only in the presence of either endogenous or exogenous circulating PTH, but not in its absence and thus imply a PTH-dependent mechanism of 25HCC action on the kidney. This effect does not appear to be related to the conversion of 25HCC into 1,25DHCC, since the latter fails to affect tubular reabsorption of phosphorus in PTX rats.

Calcium-mobilizing effect of large doses of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in anephric rats

The effect of high doses of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol on plasma calcium concentration was studied in rats receiving a low-calcium normal vitamin D diet. In bilaterally nephrectomized animals, as in sham-operated controls, 62.5 nmol of 25-hyroxycholecalciferol did not produce a rise of plasma calcium concentration. In contrast, the administration of 125 or 625 nmol, doses 1,000-5,000 times the minimal active dose in D-deficient rats, was followed in both groups of animals by a significant increase of plasma calcium concentration. Removal of either parathyroids alone or parathyroid and thyroid glands did not suppress this effect. These data suggest that when large doses are used in vivo, the renal conversion of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol to more polar metabolites is not an obligatory step for its calcium-mobilizing action. The present study does not elucidate, however, the exact mechanism(s) of this effect.

Biological activity of 1alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol, a synthetic analog of the hormonal form of vitamin D3

1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol, the apparent active hormonal form of cholecalciferol (vitamin D(2)), is formed from cholecalciferol by specific and sequential hydroxylations of the sterol at carbons 25 and 1. Recently, 1alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol was synthesized and we report on its biological activity in rachitic chicks. 1alpha-Hydroxycholecalciferol is identical in potency to 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol in stimulation of intestinal calcium absorption; either sterol elicits a near maximal effect at a dose of 0.3-0.6 nmol. The time-course of action of 1alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol also parallels that of the active metabolite 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol with a maximal increase in calcium transport occurring 5-10 hr after administration of sterol to vitamin D-deficient chicks. 6.5 nmol of 1alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol causes a doubling in calcium absorption in only 2-3 hr, which is the most rapid physiologic response yet detected for a vitamin D-sterol. 1alpha-Hydroxycholecalciferol is active also in enhancing bone calcium resorption and, like 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, is at least 10 times as active as cholecalciferol in mobilizing bone calcium and raising plasma calcium concentration. It is concluded that 1alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol represents a synthetic analog of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol that can be used both to study the mechanism of action of this hormone and as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of patients with certain metabolic bone diseases.

Embryonic chick intestine in organ culture. A unique system for the study of the intestinal calcium absorptive mechanism

Duodena from 20-day-old chick embryos can be maintained in large scale organ culture on specially designed stainless-steel grids in contact with serum-free medium for 48 h with excellent preservation of mucosal structure at both the light and electron microscope levels. Although mitotic rate was subnormal, several other factors attest to the essential viability of the cultured intestine: L-leucine incorporation into protein, as well as the synthesis of a specific vitamin D(3)-induced calcium-binding protein (CaBP), increased over a 48-h culture period, and the electropotential gradient across the intestine was maintained throughout the culture period as was a concentration gradient for calcium. The tissue responded to vitamin D(3) in the medium by synthesizing the calcium-binding protein within 6 h and by exhibiting enhanced (45)Ca uptake within 12-24 h. Concentrations of vitamin D(3), or its 25-hydroxylated derivative, higher than necessary for CaBP induction, also increased the activity of alkaline phosphatase. The 1,25-dihydroxylated derivative of vitamin D(3), at a level extremely potent in CaBP induction, did not stimulate alkaline phosphatase. Mucosal to serosal transport of (45)Ca could also be measured in everted duodenal sacs, subsequent to culture under similar conditions, and was also increased by vitamin D(3) in the medium. Other embryonic organs, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, lung, skin, and muscle, did not produce CaBP in response to vitamin D(3) in the culture medium. However, CaBP-synthesizing capacity was present in the entire intestinal tract, exclusive of the rectum. (59)Fe and (32)P uptake by cultured duodenum were also stimulated by vitamin D(3). The system has proven quite useful in the study of the vitamin D-mediated calcium absorptive mechanism but should be applicable to the study of the absorption of other nutrients, drugs, hormones, etc., as well as other studies of intestinal function.

Effects of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol on intestinal calcium transport in cortisone-treated rats

The administration of glucocorticoids may decrease intestinal calcium absorption in vivo and the active transport of calcium in rat duodenum in vitro. It has been suggested that this apparent "anti-vitamin D-like" effect of steroid hormones may be related to alterations in vitamin D metabolism. In order to test this hypothesis, vitamin D-deficient control and cortisone-treated rats were given an intraperitoneal injection of 5.5 IU of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-DHCC), the probable end-organ active vitamin D metabolite in the intestine, and 16 h later studies of duodenal calcium transport were performed in modified Ussing chambers. In the vitamin D-deficient state, cortisone administration was associated with a diminution in J(MS), J(Net), and the flux ratio (J(MS)/J(SM)). While the magnitude of the increases in J(MS) and J(Net) that resulted from 1,25-DHCC treatment were approximately the same in control and cortisone-treated animals, 1,25-DHCC failed to restore these parameters to "normal levels" in the steroid-treated rats. Furthermore, contrary to the results obtained in the saline-treated controls, 1,25-DHCC failed to reduce J(SM) in the duodenum from cortisone-treated rats. The cortisone-related defect in calcium transport was due to alterations in both unidirectional calcium fluxes (decrease in J(MS) and increase in J(SM)), such that the J(Net) and the flux ratio (J(MS)/J(SM)) were only approximately 50% of the levels achieved in vitamin D-deficient control animals repleted with the same dose of 1,25-DHCC. The administration of 1,25-DHCC was accompanied by a marked increase in the serum calcium levels of control rats, but there was no such response in the cortisone-treated group. The results support the concept that under the conditions of these experiments in the rat the apparent antagonism between glucocorticoids and vitamin D may be due to steroid hormone-related alterations in end organ function that are independent of any direct interaction between the hormone and the vitamin and that cannot be reversed by the vitamin.

Isotachysterol-3 and 25-hydroxyisotachysterol-3: analogs of 1,25-dihydrox vitamin D3

Isotachysterol(3), 25-hydroxyisotachysterol(3), and isovitamin D(3) have been synthesized and tested for biological activity. Like 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3), isotachysterol(3) stimulates intestinal calcium transport and bone calcium mobilization in anephric rats, whereas 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) does not. Although isovitamin D(3) is biologically active in normal rats it is inactive in anephric rats.

Embryonic chick intestine in organ culture: response to vitamin D 3 and its metabolites

Embryonic chick intestine maintained in organ culture responded to vitamin D(3) and its metabolites 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol by synthesis of calcium-binding protein and enchanced calcium-45 uptake. The dihydroxy metabolite was by far the most potent inducer of the protein and also acted more rapidly than vitamin D(3) to stimulate isotope uptake. Despite its lower potency, vitamin D(3) itself was effective.