Effect of vitamin D or calcium deficiency on duodenal, jejunal and ileal calcium-binding protein and on plasma calcium and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels in the growing pig

Abstract

In vitamin D-deficient pigs the amount of intestinal calcium-binding protein (CaBP) decreased by 33 p. 100 in the proximal duodenum and by 70 p. 100 in the midjejunum ; it was unmeasurable in the distal ileum. Plasma calcium levels declined significantly and plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol level was undetectable. The pigs adapted to a calcium-deficient diet by considerably increasing jejunal and ileal CaBP.