Trace elements in tissues of normal and vitamin D2-treated rats

Comparative spectroscopic investigations were performed on 22 trace elements regarding their presence and quantitative relations in cartilages (costal cartilage, intervertebral disc) and in soft tissues most exposed to metastatic calcification (aorta, kidney) of normal, vitamin D2-treated and rachitic rats. The results revealed differences in concentration and distribution of trace elements between soft tissues and cartilages on the one hand, and untreated controls and vitamin D-treated rats on the other. On vitamin D treatment an increase in the Cr, Fe and Cu contents was noted in the soft tissues, whereas in cartilages a higher Zn content was shown. It is suggested that these trace elements may play an important role in the mechanism of calcification, some acting as challengers, others as adjuvants or inhibitors.