PREVENTION OF CUTANEOUS CALCIPHYLAXIS IN CALCIUM-DEFICIENT RATS

Abstract

Dietary calcium is essential for the production of skin calcification in rats calciphylactically sensitized with dihydrotachysterol (DHT) and challenged with FeCl3injection, or with the mild trauma of epilation. A calcium-deficient diet delays the rise in serum calcium after the administration of DHT. A comparatively lower calcium–phosphate product at the time of challenge could explain the absence of skin calcification in these animals.