Metabolism of cholecalciferol in vitamin D intoxicated chicks

Vitamin D intoxication was induced in chicks by treatment with large amounts of radioactive cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) either by s.c. injections or by stomach tube. Hypercalcemia and nephrocalcinosis were present, confirming toxicity. The distribution of cholecalciferol and its metabolites in the tissues of the intoxicated birds was compared with that in birds that were treated with physiological amounts of radioactive cholecalciferol. Treatment with pharmacological doses resulted in marked elevation of cholecalciferol and its metabolites in all tissues examined, including elevation of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol in the intestine. The predominant form of cholecalciferol in these birds was found to be the unchanged vitamin, whereas in birds treated with physiological doses 25-hydroxycholecalciferol was the predominant metabolite. The route of vitamin administration was found to be of importance only when pharmacological doses were given: generally, higher levels were noted when administered via s.c. injections than via stomach tube, except in the arteries. It is suggested that in vitamin D intoxication, the factor responsible for the pathological changes in soft tissues is cholecalciferol itself. High levels of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol may be responsible for the hypercalcemia.