[Molecular approach to the action of vitamin D in man]

Some applications to man of specific markers of the molecular action of vitamin D (1.25(OH)2D3 receptors and antibodies to hormone-dependent proteins (CaBP and cDNA] are reported in this study. On case of type II vitamin-dependent rickets was characterized by 1.25(OH)2D3 plasma level greater than 250 pg/ml and a ten-fold decrease of the number of binding sites of the hormone in cultured skin fibroblasts. We propose that CaBP 28K and/or 9K-containing cells, such as Purkinje's cells and chondroblasts may be targets for vitamin D action. Detection in fetuses, from the 20th week of gestation, of CaBP 9K messenger RNA in the duodenum and sternum and presence of CaBP 28K and 9K in the chondroblasts of the upper extremity of tibia, suggest that vitamin D acts on the nucleus of its target-cells during fetal development. Finally, discovery of the gene of CaBP 9K in man opens the prospect of studies which will improve the understanding of the mechanism of action of vitamin D.