Active transport of calcium by intestine: action and bio-assay of vitamin D

Abstract

Vitamin D is required for the active transport of calcium in vitro. Small doses of vitamins D2 and D3 restore the mechanism in depleted rats, and this provides a sensitive bio-assay for the vitamin, independent of an antirachitic effect. Vitamin D influences calcium transfer in all segments of the small intestine, and maximal increments are observed in the duodenum. The effect of vitamin D requires oxidative metabolism in vitro, is maximal where active transport is maximal, and the sterol increases the maximal rates of active transport of calcium. Consequently, vitamin D influences calcium transport by affecting primarily the active mechanism rather than by simple diffusion. Experiments with various monosaccharides demonstrate that two distinct steps are involved in the active transport mechanism in duodenum. Vitamin D is required for both of the steps.