METABOLIC ACTIVITIES OF VITAMIN D IN ANIMALS

1. The chicks were given S35-sulfate orally and intramuscularly and the radioactivities of the left tibia, keel and skin were tested. The deposition of S35-sulfate in the tissues of the birds receiving vitamin D3 was found to be higher than those receiving vitamin D2 or vitamin D-deficient group.2. Carrier-free P32-phosphate solution was supplied orally or intramuscularly, and the radioactivities of the left tibia, keel and skin were estimated. Increased levels of P32-phosphate were always seen in the groups receiving vitamin D3.3. The activity of citrate oxidase increased significantly in the group receiving vitamin D3, while no influence was observed on the ability of oxidative phosphorylation of citrate in the liver.4. No influence was observed on the pyruvate oxidative phosphorylating ability and pyruvate oxidase activity in the liver homogenate by the administration of vitamin D3.5. The glutathione level in the blood was estimated, and the increase was statistically significant in the group receiving vitamin D3. But no influence of glutathione in the liver was observed. As for the oxidized glutathione levels, no effects were seen in both blood and liver.6. From these findings, there seems to be some intimate relationship in chicks between vitamin D3 metabolism and active sulfate metabolism postulated by Lipmann.