Control of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol metabolism by parathyroid glands

Thyroparathyroidectomy of rats on a diet low in calcium reduces production of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol from 25-hydroxycholecalciferol to negligible levels within 40 hr, and increases production of another metabolite, called Va. Parathyroid extract, at a dose of 20 units per day, prevents these changes. When 40 units per day of parathyroid extract is given 48 hr after thyroparathyroidectomy, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol production is restored almost to control levels within 36 hr. The change brought about by parathyroid extract cannot be attributed to resulting changes in serum calcium or phosphorus concentration. It appears that the parathyroid hormone serves as a tropin for production of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, the hormonal form of vitamin D responsible for calcium mobilization from intestinal contents and bone.