Electrolyte and glucose metabolism in VX-2 carcinoma of the rabbit

Biochemical and other parameters in VX-2 carcinoma in rabbits were evaluated. VX-2 carcinoma not only produced hypercalcemia but also hypophosphatemia and 25-OH-vitamin D deficiency. An increased turnover of 25-OH-vitamin D seems likely. Serum parathyroid hormone and urinary cyclic AMP did not increase. Hypokalemia occurred in association with hypophosphatemia and lowered blood glucose within 1 week after tumor transplantation. At the end of the experiment glucose and insulin were both below the control range. It is concluded that VX-2 carcinoma in rabbits yields much more complex biochemical alterations than reported before on calcium metabolism.