title: 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 rapidly alters the morphology of the duodenal mucosa of rachitic chicks: evidence for novel effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.
abstract: When rachitic chicks are given 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in amounts as low as 50 ng/bird, the appearance of the duodenal mucosa is altered within 2 h of the administration of the hormone. The changes are most readily apparent on scanning electron microscopy and include: a more plump appearance of villi with loss of furrows and pits on their surfaces, elongation of villi and a smoother, more uniform microvillus surface. These changes occur within 2 h of the administration of the hormone and persist for as long as 24 h. The morphological change precedes the increase in calcium absorption induced by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in the intestine. These observations suggest that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 may play an important part in maintenance of the structure of the duodenal mucosa.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport / Q000187:drug effects; D002117:Calcitriol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D002645:Chickens; D004386:Duodenum / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004848:Epithelium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008871:Microvilli / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D012279:Rickets / Q000473:pathology*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002117:Calcitriol; D002118:Calcium