Cholecalciferol and placental calcium transport
Lester, G.E.
Federation Proceedings 45(10): 2524-2527
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0014-9446 PMID: 3017769 Document Number: 272344
Transplacental movement of calcium from mother to foetus is essential for normal foetal development. In most species, foetal plasma Ca values are higher than maternal values at term. The role of cholecalciferol metabolites, with specific emphasis on 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-DHCC), in placental Ca transport and maintenance of the foetomaternal gradient has been extensively investigated. The mechanism of action of 1,25-DHCC in maintenance of the transplacental Ca gradient in sheep is unknown. In pregnant rats (and perhaps women), 1,25-DHCC is a critical factor in the maintenance of sufficient maternal Ca for transport to the foetus and may play a role in normal skeletal development of the newborn.