Optimum mode of administration of vitamin D in renal failure. Insights from experimental data

In summary, the biological effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on the parathyroid glands probably persist for several days, although the plasma half-life of 1,25(OH)2D3 is only several hours. This is a theoretical argument for 1,25(OH)2D3 pulse therapy, and suggests that spacing of pulses could be chosen even wider (one-two pulses per week) than was previously thought (three pulses per week). Under the conditions of experiment in subtotally nephrectomized rats, the biological effect on the parathyroid glands was correlated best with the achieved peak 1,25(OH)2D3 serum concentration. This would be another argument for pulse therapy with active vitamin D metabolites.