Studies on congenital osteopetrosis in microphthalmic mice using organ cultures: impairment of bone resorption in response to physiologic stimulators

The mechanism of congenital osteopetrosis in microphthalmic (mi) mice has been examined in bone organ cultures. Resorption was measured by the release of previously incorporated 45Ca in fetal long bones and newborn calvaria from mi mice and heterozygous or homozygous normal litter mates. Bones from mi mice showed a generalized resorption defect with decreased spontaneous or control resorption and failure to respond to parathyroid hormone (PTH), prostaglandin E2, 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D3, vitamin A, or osteoclast activating factor (OAF) from human peripheral leukocytes or mouse spleen cells. Bones from heterozygotes showed a smaller response to PTH than bones from homozygous normals. Mutant bones failed to show an increase in lysosomal enzyme release in response to PTH or vitamin A, agents which increased release from bones of homozygous normals. Proline incorporation into collagenase- digestible protein was similar in cultures of normal and mutant bone and was inhibited by PTH and OAF. These results indicate that congenital osteopetrosis in mi mice is due to a generalized defect in the function and hormonal response of osteoclasts and suggests that this cell line is separate from the osteoblast cell line which shows no impairment of hormonal response.     

Effects of lithium on bone resorption in cultured foetal rat long-bones

Abstract. Increased serum calcium has been observed in manic depressive patients treated with lithium (Li), and one of the mechanisms increasing serum calcium could be a sensitizing effect of Li on bone resorption. In a previous study, however, Li has been found slightly to inhibit PTH-stimulated resorption in cultured foetal rat long-bones. In this work, we extended the study of the effects of Li on bone resorption in culture when resorption of foetal rat long-bones was stimulated by factors other than PTH. Li 3 mM had no effect on basal resorption, a slight and inconsistent inhibitory effect on PTH stimulated bone resorption, a moderate and inconstant inhibitory effect on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) stimulated resorption, and did not significantly affect the enhancement of resorption by interleukin 1 (ILI). The more constant effect of Li was a nearly complete inhibition of the resorption response to 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH)₂D₃). This study confirms that Li has no stimulatory effect on bone resorption by itself, nor a sensitizing action on the stimulation of resorption by several activators. Conversely, Li has a striking inhibitory effect on bone resorption stimulated by 1,25(OH)₂D₃.     

No 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors on osteoclasts of calcium-deficient chicken despite demonstrable receptors on circulating monocytes.

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) is known to stimulate osteoclastic bone resorption in vivo and whole organ bone culture systems in vitro. It has not been established whether 1,25(OH)2D3 acts directly on osteoclasts or whether its action on osteoclasts is mediated via other bone cells (e.g., osteoblasts) or recruitment of osteoclast precursor cells. Circulating monocytes have been characterized as osteoclast precursors. In the present study, vitamin D3-replete chicken on a calcium-deficient diet were studied. Circulating monocytes, whole bone cell preparations, and isolated osteoclasts (differential sedimentation) were examined for presence of 1,25(OH)2D3 receptors. Reversible, specific, and saturable binding of [3H]-1,25(OH)2D3 to a 3.5 S macromolecule was demonstrated in nuclear fractions of monocytes (maximal binding capacity, 48 fmol/mg protein; dissociation constant, 1.3 X 10(-10) M) and of whole bone cell preparations. 1,25(OH)2D3 receptors were not demonstrable in osteoclast preparations (70% pure; detection threshold, 2 fmol/mg protein). Data are consistent with indirect action of 1,25(OH)2D3 on osteoclastic bone resorption.     

Effect of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol on adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate production in calvaria of mice.

1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-(OH)2D3), added at doses which stimulate bone resorption in the system used, did not increase adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) production in vitro in mouse calvaria incubated for up to 48 h. Thus 1,25-(OH)2D3 does not appear to stimulate bone resorption through involvement of an increased cAMP production.     

Marked suppression of secondary hyperparathyroidism by intravenous administration of 1,25-dihydroxy-cholecalciferol in uremic patients

Current evidence suggests that administration of 1,25(OH)2D3 to patients with chronic renal insufficiency results in suppression of secondary hyperparathyroidism only if hypercalcemia occurs. However, since the parathyroid glands possess specific receptors for 1,25(OH)2D3 and a calcium binding protein, there is considerable interest in a possible direct effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion independent of changes in serum calcium. Recent findings indicate substantial degradation of 1,25(OH)2D3 in the intestine, therefore, it is possible that while oral administration of the vitamin D metabolite increases intestinal calcium absorption, the delivery of 1,25(OH)2D3 to peripheral target organs may be limited. We therefore compared the effects of orally or intravenously administered 1,25(OH)2D3 on the plasma levels of 1,25(OH)2D3 and the effects of these two modes of treatment on PTH secretion. Whereas oral administration of 1,25(OH)2D3 in doses adequate to maintain serum calcium at the upper limits of normal did not alter PTH levels, a marked suppression (70.1 +/- 3.2%) of PTH levels was seen in all 20 patients given intravenous 1,25(OH)2D3. Temporal studies suggested a 20.1 +/- 5.2% decrease in PTH without a significant change in serum calcium with intravenous 1,25(OH)2D3. In five patients the serum calcium was increased by the oral administration of calcium carbonate, the decrement in serum i-PTH was only 25 +/- 6.65% when compared with 73.5 +/- 5.08% (P less than 0.001) obtained by the administration of intravenous 1,25(OH)2D3. Thus, a similar serum calcium achieved by intravenous 1,25(OH)2D3 rather than calcium carbonate has a greater suppressive effect in the release of PTH. These studies indicate that 1,25(OH)2D3 administered intravenously rather than orally may result in a greater delivery of the vitamin D metabolite to peripheral target tissues other than the intestine and allow a greater expression of biological effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 in peripheral tissues. The use of intravenous 1,25(OH)2D3 thus provides a simple and extremely effective way to suppress secondary hyperparathyroidism in dialysis patients.     

老年男性骨质疏松与相关影响因素的关系

INTRODUCTIONOsteoporosisisacommondiseaseintheoldpeople.Theincidenceofosteoporosisinmenislaterthaninwomen,andthemorbidityislower,sothestudyonthemaleosteoporosisseemstobedefi-cient.Butsomeinvestigationdatashowthatalmostone-thirdofallhipfracturesworldwideoccurinmen.Themortalityinmenisevidenthigherthaninwomenofthesameage犤1-2犦.Itisveryimportanttostudymoreissuesofmaleosteoporosis.Inordertosurveyitspathogeny,wemeasurethebonemineraldensityin97oldmenbydualenergyX-rayabsorptiometry(DEXA).Atthe…     

Size at birth, adult intestinal calcium absorption and 1,25(OH)(2) vitamin D

BACKGROUND: Adult bone mineral status is modified by early environmental influences, but the mechanism of this phenomenon is unknown. Intestinal calcium absorption and vitamin D metabolism are integrally involved in bone metabolism and may be programmed during early life. AIM: To examine the early-life influences on calcium absorption and its control in 322 post-menopausal female twins. METHODS: Intestinal calcium absorption was assessed by the stable strontium (Sr) method. Serum PTH, 25(OH) and 1,25(OH)(2) vitamin D were measured and recalled birth weight recorded. RESULTS: Fractional intestinal Sr absorption (alpha Sr) was correlated with serum 1,25(OH)(2) vitamin D (p<0.001), but not with 25(OH) vitamin D. Birth weight was inversely associated with serum 1,25(OH)(2) vitamin D (p=0.04), the association being independent of serum calcium, phosphate, creatinine and PTH. Birth weight was inversely correlated with alpha Sr (p=0.03), this association being independent of age, season, customary calcium intake and serum 25(OH) vitamin D; however, when serum 1,25(OH)(2) vitamin D was added into the model, the association became non-significant, suggesting that the association was partially mediated via serum 1,25(OH)(2) vitamin D. DISCUSSION: We found a significant inverse association between birth weight and intestinal calcium absorption that is partially explained by an association between serum 1,25(OH)(2) vitamin D and birth weight. This suggests a mechanism whereby the intra-uterine environment might affect adult skeletal status.     

Resistance to the Phosphaturic and Calcemic Actions of Parathyroid Hormone during Phosphate Depletion: PREVENTION BY 1,25-DIHYDROXYVITAMIN D3

Recent observations indicate that in thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX) rats fed a low (0.2 g/100 g) phosphorus diet, the tubular phosphaturic response to parathyroid hormone (PTH) remains markedly blunted even when it is assessed at normal or high plasma concentration and filtered load of inorganic phosphate (Pi). Because 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)] decreases the tubular capacity to reabsorb Pi when chronically administered to TPTX rats, we have studied whether this vitamin D(3) metabolite could specifically increase the phosphaturic response to PTH in phosphate-deprived animals. The results show that in Vitamin D-replete TPTX rats fed a low (0.2 g/100 g) phosphorus diet, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) (2 x 13 pmol/d i.p. for 7 d) markedly enhanced the acute tubular phosphaturic response to PTH (2.5 IU/h i.v.) without affecting the action of the peptide hormone on Ca reabsorption and cyclic-3',5'-AMP excretion. The influence of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) on the phosphaturic response to PTH could not be ascribed to an increased plasma concentration and(or) filtered load of Pi during the administration of the peptide hormone. However, it could be, at least in part, related to the elevation in the basal level of plasma Pi which was observed in the 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-treated animals. The results also indicate that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) significantly enhanced the calcemic response to PTH, which was blunted in these conditions of phosphate deprivation. Unlike 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3), 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) did not unmask the phosphaturic effect of PTH in phosphate-depleted animals, even when given in doses 100 times larger. Thus, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) displays a selective and powerful activity in preventing the occurrence of tubular resistance to the phosphaturic action of PTH during Pi depletion. This finding suggests the existence of an important interaction between dietary Pi, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3), and PTH in the homeostasis of phosphate.     

Evidence that blood ionized calcium can regulate serum 1,25(OH)2D3 independently of parathyroid hormone and phosphorus in the rat.

This study asks whether arterial blood ionized calcium concentration (Ca++) can regulate the serum level of 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] independently of serum phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH). We infused either PTH (bovine 1-34, 10 U/kg body wt/h) or saline into awake and unrestrained rats for 24 h, through a chronic indwelling catheter. PTH raised total serum calcium and arterial blood ionized calcium, yet serum 1,25(OH)2D3 fell from 35 +/- 6 (mean +/- SEM, n = 10) with saline to 12 +/- 3 pg/ml (n = 11, P less than 0.005 vs. saline). To determine if the decrease in serum 1,25(OH)2D3 was due to the elevated Ca++, we infused PTH into other rats for 24 h, along with varying amounts of EGTA. Infusion of PTH + 0.67 micron/min EGTA reduced Ca++, and 1,25(OH)2D3 rose to 90 +/- 33 (P less than 0.02 vs. PTH alone). PTH + 1.00 micron/min EGTA lowered Ca++ more, and 1,25(OH)2D3 increased to 148 +/- 29 (P less than 0.01 vs. saline or PTH alone). PTH + 1.33 micron/min EGTA lowered Ca++ below values seen with saline or PTH alone, and 1,25(OH)2D3 rose to 267 +/- 46 (P less than 0.003 vs. all other groups). Thus, during PTH infusion lowering Ca++ with EGTA raised 1,25(OH)2D3 progressively. There were no differences in serum phosphorus concentration or in arterial blood pH in any group infused with PTH. The log of serum 1,25(OH)2D3 was correlated inversely with Ca++ in all four groups infused with PTH (r = -0.737, n = 31, P less than 0.001), and also when the saline group was included (r = -0.677, n = 41, P less than 0.001). The results of this study indicate that serum 1,25(OH)2D3 may be regulated by Ca++ independent of PTH and serum phosphorus levels in the rat. Since 1,25(OH)2D3 regulates gastrointestinal calcium absorption, there may be direct feedback control of 1,25(OH)2D3, by its regulated ion, Ca++.     

Recombinant human transforming growth factor-alpha stimulates the formation of osteoclast-like cells in long-term human marrow cultures.

Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) is synthesized by a variety of tumor cell lines and stimulates osteoclastic bone resorption in vitro. The mechanism by which TGF-alpha increases osteoclast activity is unknown. We used a human marrow culture system that forms osteoclast-like multinucleated cells (MNCs) to determine the effects of recombinant human TGF-alpha on MNC formation. Addition of 0.01 ng/ml TGF-alpha for the 1st week followed by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] for the subsequent 2 wk significantly increased MNCs. Treatment of these cultures with TGF-alpha without later addition of 1,25(OH)2D3 did not increase MNC formation. Autoradiographic studies revealed that TGF-alpha stimulated proliferation of precursors for MNCs, and 1,25(OH)2D3 increased their rate of fusion into MNCs. Addition of murine epidermal growth factor (EGF) (0.1 ng/ml) followed by 1,25(OH)2D3 also significantly stimulated MNC formation. These data suggest that TGF-alpha and EGF may stimulate bone resorption by increasing the proliferation of osteoclast precursors, which leads to increased numbers of osteoclasts.     

Role of protein kinase C in parathyroid hormone stimulation of renal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 secretion.

PTH is a major regulator of renal proximal tubule 1,25(OH)2D3 biosynthesis. However, the intracellular pathways involved in PTH activation of the mitochondrial 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1 alpha-hydroxylase (1-OHase) remain unknown. PTH can activate both the adenylate cyclase/protein kinase A (PKA) and the plasma membrane phospholipase C/protein kinase C (PKC) pathways. The present study was undertaken to determine whether PKC may mediate PTH activation of renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1 alpha-hydroxylase activity. Rat PTH 1-34 fragment in vitro translocated PKC activity from cytosolic to soluble membrane fraction from freshly prepared rat proximal tubules. Physiologic concentrations (10(-11)-10(-10) M) of rat PTH 1-34 fragment increased PKC translocation three- to fourfold while PKA activity ratio increased at PTH 10(-7) M. PTH stimulation of PKC and PKA was reduced in the presence of staurosporine (10 nM) by 41 and 29%, respectively. Sangivamycin (10 and 50 microM) also reduced PTH-stimulated PKC translocation, but did not alter PKA activity ratio. In vitro perifusion of renal proximal tubules with PTH (10(-11) M) increased 1,25(OH)2D3 steady-state secretion two- to fourfold. Sangivamycin at the same concentration that inhibited PKC translocation by 52% completely inhibited PTH-stimulated 1,25(OH)2D3 secretion. The present studies indicate that the phospholipase C/PKC pathway may mediate PTH stimulation of mammalian renal proximal tubule 1,25(OH)2D3 secretion.     

The influence of calciotrophic hormones on lymphocyte transformation and interleukin-2 production in human mononuclear cells

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) display receptors for parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin (CT) and, when activated, express receptors for 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3). The role of these receptors in unclear. It is well established that 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) has a significant effect on lymphocyte transformation and interleukin-2 (IL-2) activity in PBMC's. We have proceeded to compare the effects of the calciotrophic hormones, 1,25(OH)2D3, 24,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3), 25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), bovine (1-35)PTH (b(1-35)PTH) and salmon CT on both lymphocyte transformation and IL-2 activity in PBMC's from normal human volunteers. We have also sought an indication as to which subset of cells is responsible for the 1,25(OH)2D3 effect. Unlike the other calciotrophic hormones 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibited the proliferation of phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (ConA) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM) stimulated cells. 1,25(OH)2D3 had a significantly greater effect on PHA induced cell proliferation and only inhibited cells with the T-helper/inducer (TH, CD4 + ve) phenotype, this suggested that 1,25(OH)2D3 may act selectively on the cells with CD4 + ve phenotype. In addition, of the calciotrophic hormones, 1,25(OH)2D3 had a greater effect on IL-2 activity. These findings indicate that 1,25(OH)2D3 and not the other calciotrophic hormones has a significant immunomodulatory effect.     

The effects of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol on embryonic bone in vitro: a biochemical and histological study.

Explants from embryonic rat and mouse calvaria were cultivated in the presence of different concentrations of 1, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1, 25-(OH)2D3). The bone resorbing effects of the vitamin D3 metabolite were evaluated by measuring the release of calcium, phosphate, lactate and citrate into the culture medium after 24 h of cultivation. The influence on bone morphology was studied using embryonic mouse radii, in which histological phenomena in the bony, cartilagenous and connective tissue compartments were observed. Both kinds of experiments show that 1, 25-(OH)2D3 has effects on embryonic bone which are typical for high concentrations of parathyroid hormone (PTH). However, the maximal effects on calcium release and on histology are 2.5 times less than those of PTH. In addition, some of the histological features such as the effects on epiphyseal cartilage and on osteoclasts were not observed. 1, 25-(OH)2D3 in concentrations up to 2 X 10(-9) M does not affect basal or PTH-stimulated cAMP levels in embryonic rat calvaria. In a concentration of 1 X 10(-8) M, however, a significant decrease in PTH-stimulated cAMP production was found. It is concluded from these in vitro experiments that (1) 1, 25-(OH)2D3 stimulates bone resorption, and (2) in 1, 25-(OH)2D3-induced bone resorption cAMP is apparently not involved as a second messenger.     

Early effects of ethinyloestradiol and norethisterone treatment in post-menopausal women on bone resorption and calcium regulating hormones

The early effects of sex steroid therapy were assessed in 28 normal post-menopausal women, 18 treated with ethinyloestradiol and 10 with norethisterone. There was a reduction in the fasting urinary excretion of both calcium and hydroxyproline with both treatments, indicating reduced bone resorption. This was apparent after 1 week of therapy but became more marked after 3 weeks. These changes were not accompanied by any changes in plasma levels of calcitonin or parathyroid hormone. Patients receiving ethinyloestradiol showed a marked increase in plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-(OH)2D) concentration but this was explicable entirely in terms of increased plasma levels of vitamin D binding protein. There was no change in the free plasma level of 1,25(OH)2D. Patients treated with norethisterone showed no increase in plasma concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D. We conclude that both ethinyloestradiol and norethisterone have a rapid and similar effect in reducing bone resorption. This is not mediated via the plasma levels of the calcium regulating hormones.     

良性原发性甲状旁腺功能亢进症患者血清1,25-二羟基维生素D3水平变化

目的探讨良性原发性甲状旁腺功能亢进症(primary hyperparathyproidism,PHPT)患者血清1,25-二羟基维生素D3[1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3,1,25(OH)2D3]水平变化及与甲状旁腺激素(parathyroid hormone,PTH)、血钙、血磷的关系。方法良性PHPT患者56例为观察组,同期体检健康者1118例为对照组,采用电化学发光法检测2组血清1,25(OH)2D3、PTH水平,比色法测定血钙水平,磷钼酸盐法测定血磷水平。比较2组维生素D缺乏[1,25(OH)2D3<20μg/L]、严重缺乏[1,25(OH)2D3<10μg/L]的比率及不同年龄分层患者血清1,25(OH)2D3水平变化,Pearson法分析观察组维生素D缺乏、严重缺乏患者血清1,25(OH)2D3与PTH、血钙及血磷的相关性。结果观察组维生素D缺乏比率、严重缺乏比率(94.64%、46.43%)高于对照组(62.79%、14.13%)(P<0.05);Pearson相关分析显示,观察组血清1,25(OH)2D3与PTH、血钙及血磷均无线性相关性(r=-0.226,P=0.352;r=-0.274,P=0.256;r=0.073,P=0.593)。观察组年龄18~40岁、>40~60岁、>60岁患者血清1,25(OH)2D3[(10.76±3.17)、(10.61±5.01)、(10.72±4.85)μg/L]低于对照组[18~40岁:(18.19±9.86)μg/L,>40~60岁:(17.18±9.19)μg/L,>60岁:(17.91±10.52)μg/L](P<0.05);观察组维生素D缺乏患者血清PTH[(818.86±233.49)ng/L]、血钙[(2.98±0.59)mmol/L]、血磷[(0.78±0.17)mmol/L]与维生素D严重缺乏患者[(640.09±622.69)ng/L、(2.96±0.69)mmol/L、(0.75±0.20)mmol/L]比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);观察组维生素D缺乏、严重缺乏患者血清1,25(OH)2D3与PTH(r=-0.360,P=0.060;r=0.071,P=0.723)、血钙(r=-0.225,P=0.250;r=-0.228,P=0.252)、及血磷(r=0.239,P=0.221;r=-0.208,P=0.297)均无线性相关。结论良性PHPT患者血清1,25(OH)2D3低于正常人群,维生素D缺乏比率较高,且血清1,25(OH)2D3与PTH、血钙及.血磷无线性相关。     

Parathyroid hormone suppression by intravenous 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. A role for increased sensitivity to calcium.

Numerous in vitro studies in experimental animals have demonstrated a direct suppressive effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) on parathyroid hormone (PTH) synthesis. We therefore sought to determine whether such an effect could be demonstrated in uremic patients undergoing maneuvers designed to avoid changes in serum calcium concentrations. In addition, the response of the parathyroid gland in patients undergoing hypercalcemic suppression (protocol I) and hypocalcemic stimulation (protocol II) before and after 2 wk of intravenous 1,25(OH)2D was evaluated. In those enlisted in protocol I, PTH values fell from 375 +/- 66 to 294 +/- 50 pg (P less than 0.01) after 1,25(OH)2D administration. During hypercalcemic suppression, the "set point" (PTH max + PTH min/2) for PTH suppression by calcium fell from 5.24 +/- 0.14 to 5.06 +/- 0.15 mg/dl (P less than 0.05) with 1,25(OH)2D. A similar decline in PTH levels after giving intravenous 1,25(OH)2D was noted in protocol II patients. During hypocalcemic stimulation, the parathyroid response was attenuated by 1,25(OH)2D. We conclude that intravenous 1,25(OH)2D directly suppresses PTH secretion in uremic patients. This suppression, in part, appears to be due to increased sensitivity of the gland to ambient calcium levels.     

Fluoride substitution of vitamin D analogs at C-26 and C-27: enhancement of activity of 25-hydroxyvitamin D but not of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D on bone and intestine in vitro

A series of analogs of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] with multiple fluorine substitutions in positions 26 and 27 have been tested for their activities 1) in competing with 1,25-(OH)2D3 for binding to partially purified chick intestinal cytosol, 2) in stimulating resorption of fetal rat limb bones in vitro and 3) in competing with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 for binding sites in rat plasma. The relative potencies of 26,26,26,27,27,27-hexafluoro-25-hydroxyvitamin D3, 26,26,26-trifluoro-25-hydroxyvitamin D3, 27-nor-26,26,26-trifluoro-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in competing for intestinal cytosolic binding were 17:11:1:1. The relative potencies of the same series of compounds on stimulating resorption of fetal rat bones was 25:21:9:1. The relative ability of these four compounds to compete for plasma binding sites was 0.3:0.3:0.4:1.0. The results indicate that multiple fluorine substitution in the vicinity of the 25-hydroxyl group can markedly enhance the direct effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 on its target tissues. This is postulated to result from the electronegativity of the fluorines which increases the acidity of the 25-hydroxyl group and enhances its affinity for the receptor. In contrast to the effects seen with the 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 analogs, multiple fluorine substitution in positions 26 and 27 did not enhance the activity of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on either cytosolic binding or bone resorption. Presumably, this is because biological activity, expressed in terms of affinity for the receptor, is already optimal in the 1,25-(OH)2D3 structure. The relative activities of the 26,27-hexafluoro derivative and 1,25-(OH)2D3 in competition for the plasma binding sites was 0.4:1.0.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)