Model for skeletal resistance to vitamin D in renal failure

Chronic renal disease in man and animals is associated with disturbances in calcium homeostasis which are resistant to vitamin D-therapy. Partially nephrectomized and intact rats were used to evaluate the effect of uremia on the response of bone to vitamin D. Serum calcium, serum phosphorus and blood urea nitrogen levels were higher in uremic rats than in intact rats, both given vitamin D. Metaphyseal bone in uremic rats was resistant to vitamin D-induced bone resorption; osteoblasts and osteocytes appeared less active ultrastructurally and osteoclass were infrequent. Calcitonin synthesis and release evaluated electron microscopically was greater in uremic rats. It is suggested that the altered response of bone to vitamin D in uremic rats was due in part to elevated serum phosphorus and increased calcitonin release. The present model does not refute experimental and clinical data that metabolism of vitamin D is altered in renal disease. It does, however, emphasize that in chronic renal failure other parameters (phosphorus levels, calcitonin release, uremia) are operating which may influence end organ response to pharmacologic doses of vitamin D. The partially nephrectomized rat may be a useful model for evaluating end-organ resistance to vitamin D in uremia.