Normalization of serum calcium restores fertility in vitamin D-deficient male rats.
We performed experiments to determine whether treatment with vitamin D or 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol could reverse male infertility caused by vitamin D deficiency. Additionally, an attempt was made to distinguish between a direct and an indirect effect of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol on reproductive tissue. Vitamin D-deficient male rats with impaired fertility were treated with vitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol for 3 wk, then mated. Secondly, vitamin D-deficient male rats were made normocalcemic by increasing dietary calcium, and their fertility was compared with that of vitamin D-deficient, hypocalcemic rats. The fertility of male rats was restored by treatment with either vitamin D or 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. However, fertility was also restored in vitamin D-deficient animals by feeding them a diet supplemented with high levels of calcium. These results indicate that the influence of vitamin D and its active metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, on male fertility is indirect. Vitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol seemed to influence male fertility by acting on classic target tissues and regulating levels of calcium in reproductive tissues.
Uhland
A M
AM
Department of Biochemistry, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison 53706.
Kwiecinski
G G
GG
DeLuca
H F
HF
D000818:Animals; D002117:Calcitriol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002118:Calcium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy
D014807:Vitamin D; D002117:Calcitriol; D002118:Calcium