Recent progress in vitamin D metabolism and the chemistry of vitamin D metabolites
Schnoes, H.K.; DeLuca, H.F.
Federation Proceedings 39(10): 2723-2729
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0014-9446 PMID: 6250910 Document Number: 155995
Recent research involving chemical assay and physicochemical analysis is beginning to define the molecular mechanism of action of vitamin D. Three major metabolites of vitamin D have been isolated and identified: vitamin D3, the antirachitic compound produced in irradiated skin; calcitroic acid, a major metabolite of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3; and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-26,23-lactone, found in the plasma of animals given large amounts of vitamin D. The synthetic analog 24,24-difluoro-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 has been used in tests to elucidate how vitamin D functions. High specific activity radioactive vitamin D metabolites have been chemically synthesized to examine their molecular mechanism of action and cellular sites of action, and to quantitate metabolite assays. Currently, a scheme of vitamin D3 metabolism has been developed which outlines the interconversions of these metabolites. New synthetic methods have permitted the preparation of 1,25-(OH)2D3 for use in medicine, agriculture and disease treatment.