Oral 1,25(OH)2D3: an effective prophylactic treatment for glucocorticoid osteopenia in rats

Eighty-eight adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were given a diet with either (a) 0.5% Ca and 0.6% P or (b) 0.01% Ca and 0.6% P. Osteopenia was created by adding prednisolone to the diet. The prophylactic effect of oral 1,25(OH)2D3 on the osteopenia was studied. It was found that prednisolone osteopenia in the rat was associated with defective Ca absorption. By giving an oral dose of 1,25(OH)2D3, it was possible to maintain normal Ca absorption during prednisolone treatment and to prevent the bone loss. No significant hypercalcemia or any kidney calcifications were seen. These results are in contrast to earlier findings, in which subcutaneous administration of 1,25(OH)2D3 failed to prevent prednisolone osteopenia because of its tendency to increase bone resorption.