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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Alveolar Periosteum and Effects of Vitamin D on Osteogenic Activity of Periosteum-derived Cells
Published on: May 4, 2018
Early changes at the epiphysis of rachitic chicks, following administration of vitamin D
Insights
Vitamin D supplementation rapidly restored bone mineralization and cartilage maturation in vitamin D-deficient chicks. This study highlights vitamin D
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Histology
- Mineral Metabolism
Background:
- Vitamin D deficiency in young chicks leads to rickets.
- Rickets is characterized by impaired bone mineralization and cartilage abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of vitamin D repletion on bone healing in vitamin D-deficient chicks.
- To examine the histological and biochemical changes during recovery from rickets.
Main Methods:
- Chicks were fed a vitamin D-deficient diet, then supplemented orally with vitamin D.
- Tibiae were analyzed using radiography, histological staining (P.A.S.), ashing, and Ca(45) autoradiography.
Main Results:
- Mineralization and new bone spicule formation reappeared within 2 days of vitamin D treatment.
- Immature cartilage rapidly matured morphologically.
- The rachitic matrix, rich in cation binders like chondroitin sulfate, showed progressive loss of these components.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D is crucial for rapid restoration of bone mineralization and cartilage development.
- Chondroitin sulfate may play a role in the rachitic matrix and its turnover during healing.
Abstract:
One day old chicks were fed a vitamin D-deficient diet for 3 weeks. Some were then given an oral dose of vitamin D and sacrificed at various times thereafter. The tibiae were x-rayed; demineralized sections were stained for neutral polysaccharides and sulfated mucopolysaccharides; other specimens were ashed; and others still were autoradiographed to determine their uptake of Ca(45)in vitro. Mineralization reappeared in the treated animals after 2 days, along with new P.A.S.-positive spicules. Earlier, the immature cartilage rapidly matured morphologically. At the same time, the rachitic matrix, highly concentrated in cation binder, presumably chondroitin sulfate, lost this material progressively.
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