The action of vitamin D on the degree of mineralization of bone tissue in rats given adequate amounts of calcium and phosphorus in the diet. A microradiographic study.

Abstract

1. The action of vitamin D on the degree of mineralization of the bone tissue of rats given a diet containing adequate amounts of calcium and phosphorus for 8 weeks has been investigated by quantitative microradiography. The method is described.2. There was a significant reduction in the growth of the vitamin D-deficient rats; the reduction was most marked in the females.3. Serum analysis showed a reduction in Ca, but P was unchanged. However, the Ca × P product was considered to be high enough to permit normal mineralization.4. The degree of mineralization of the cortical bone tissue increased significantly according to the distance from the epiphyseal plate. However, there were no significant differences between vitamin D-treated and vitamin D-deficient animals.5. It is concluded that vitamin D deficiency in rats does not prevent the formation of a bone matrix which can attain a normal degree of mineralization.