The effect of vitamin D3 deficiency on the isolated chick heart: Hemodynamic, P-31 NMR and membrane studies

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether vitamin D3 deficiency affects the cardiac function of chick hearts directly or whether the influence is secondary through the hormone's effect on serum calcium levels. To this end, three experimental groups were studied: (a) the control group of vitamin D3 supplemented chicks, D(s), (b) vitamin D3 deficient chicks, D(d), and (c) vitamin D3 supplemented hypocalcemie chicks raised on decreased calcium levels, D(h). The three groups were compared by checking hemodynamic, metabolic and membrane parameters. Total and ionized serum calcium concentrations in the D(h) and D(d) groups were found to be lower than in the D group. Perfusion of the isolated hearts with solutions containing various calcium concentrations (1, 1.5 and 2.5 mm) induced enhanced contractility levels, the magnitude of which was dependent on the difference between the in vivo and perfusate calcium levels. Thus, the inotropic effect was similar and more enhanced for the two hypocalcemic groups. The differences in hemodynamic behaviour could not be explained by variations in the levels of the high energy compounds and acidity, since similar ATP, creatine phosphate and intracellular pH levels were detected for both D(s) and D(d) groups. However, membrane studies revealed an increase in the number of slow calcium channels for the two hypocalcemic groups and this may be the possible mechanism for the differences in the contractile activity. In conclusion, our study strongly suggests that the effects of vitamin D3 on the heart is mediated only indirectly through its effect on serum calcium levels.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)93-102
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology
Volume25
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1993

Keywords

  • 1,25(OH)D
  • Chick heart
  • P NMR
  • Vitamin D deficiency

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