Calcium absorption by intestine. Stimulation in vitamin D-deficient nephrectomized rats by Solanum glaucophyllum
Walling, M.W.; Kimber, D.V.
Gastroenterology 69(1): 200-205
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0016-5085 PMID: 1150024 Document Number: 85514
After 7 weeks on a "nonrachitogenic" vitamin D-deficient diet male Holtzman rats had both kidneys removed or (controls) a sham operation, immediately after which they were given an intraperitoneal injection of 1 ml isotonic NaCl or aqueous extract of leaves of the South American plant, Solanum glaucophyllum. They were killed 24 h later. The plant extract increased active Ca absorption in duodenum in vitro 6-fold in controls and 4.5-fold in nephrectomised animals, indicating that the active principle from the plant, believed to produce the pathological condition known as "Enteque seco" in grazing animals, does not require renal metabolism for effects on intestinal Ca absorption. The similarity of action between the water-soluble plant material and lipid-soluble sterols such as 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol is attributed to the presence of glycosidal alkaloidal steroids in plants of the genus Solanum.