25-Hydroxyvitamin D3: evidence of an enterohepatic circulation in man

Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1975 Jun;149(2):570-2. doi: 10.3181/00379727-149-38853.

Abstract

Within 24 hr after intravenous administration of isotopic 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to three normal adults for kinetic studies, one-third of the radioactivity was secreted into the lumen of the duodenum, probably with the bile. The subsequent intestinal reabsorption of over 85% of secreted radioactivity suggests that this major metabolite of vitamin D has a hitherto unrecognized enterohepatic circulation. Our observation of a dynamic hepatic secretion and intestinal reabsorption of radioactivity administered as 3H-labeled 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to vitamin D-replete man is indicative of an enterohepatic circulation that may be of physiologic importance. It is conceivable that interruption in the recycling of 25-OH-D3 may be an important mechanism of acquired deficiency of vitamin D in gastrointestinal disease.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Duodenum
  • Feces / analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxycholecalciferols / blood
  • Hydroxycholecalciferols / metabolism*
  • Hydroxycholecalciferols / urine
  • Inhalation
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • Liver Circulation
  • Male
  • Tritium

Substances

  • Hydroxycholecalciferols
  • Tritium