Serum calcium and vitamin D regulate 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor concentration in rat kidney in vivo.

The effects of vitamin D status, serum calcium, and serum phosphorus levels on 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D receptor levels in kidney were investigated. Weanling rats were fed for 4 weeks on a diet with various levels of calcium and phosphorus with or without vitamin D. The 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor concentration in kidney was determined by an immunoradiometric assay. In the absence of vitamin D, total receptor concentration is increased 2-fold by an increase in serum calcium concentration. At normal serum calcium levels, the administration of vitamin D resulted in a 5-fold increase in receptor concentration. In hypocalcemic animals, however, vitamin D did not change receptor levels. Serum phosphorus levels could not be linked to any changes in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor concentration. This study demonstrates that serum calcium levels and vitamin D regulate 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor concentration in vivo in kidney. On the other hand, vitamin D is unable to exert control of receptor levels in kidney under hypocalcemic conditions.