Renal Function and 1α-Hydroxyvitamin D₃ in Rabbits with Normal Renal Function and Renal Insufficiency

Abstract

The effect of 1α-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (1αOHD₃) on the renal clearance of creatinine was investigated in groups of rabbits with stable renal insufficiency and normal controls. Urine was collected in the two groups for two one-week periods during placebo treatment. Then, 1αOHD₃, 0.02 μg/kg BW/day, was adminstered orally and urine was collected during the next two weeks. Weekly blood samples were obtained. The treatment had no significant effect on the serum concentrations of calcium and phosphate in either group. Creatinine clearance decreased significantly in both groups during the 1αOHD₃ treatment (p<0.05), mainly due to a decreased urinary excretion of creatinine. It is suggested that changes in the renal tubular handling of creatinine caused by 1αOHD₃ may be the explanation of the observed effect.