Effect of 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in experimental diabetic rats

The results are presented of a controlled study in male Wistar rats into the effects of 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on blood glucose levels, bone calcium content and ADP-induced platelet aggregation in streptozocin-induced diabetes mellitus. Blood glucose levels were shown to be decreased by 10 micrograms/kg 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. The reduced bone calcium content associated with diabetes mellitus was returned to normal levels with both 1 and 10 micrograms/kg 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. It was also shown to exhibit dose-dependent anti-platelet activity. The data suggest that 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 might have potential as a mild therapeutic agent in the treatment of osteoporosis and platelet hyperactivity associated with diabetes mellitus.