Effects of vitamin D3, 25(OH) vitamin D3, 24,25(OH)2 vitamin D3, and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 on the in vitro intestinal calcium absorption in the marine teleost, Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua).

The role of vitamin D3, 25(OH) vitamin D3, 24,25(OH)2 vitamin D3, and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3, in the regulation of calcium absorption across the intestine in the marine teleost, Gadus morhua, was investigated. The intestine was perfused, in vitro, both vascularly and through the intestinal lumen, and the calcium influx was measured using 45Ca. Vitamin D3 and its metabolites were tested in perfusate concentrations of 10 ng.ml-1.25(OH)D3 increased the intestinal calcium uptake by 65%, while 24,25(OH)2D3 decreased it by 36%. Vitamin D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3, on the other hand, did not affect the calcium influx across the intestinal mucosa. This indicates that 25(OH)D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 may be active regulators of calcium transport across the intestine of Atlantic cod.