1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D is not responsible for toxicity caused by vitamin D or 25-hydroxyvitamin D

Vitamin D intoxication was produced with oral doses of either vitamin D3 or 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in CYP27B1 −/− (1α-hydroxylase knockout) and wild-type mice. These compounds were equally toxic in wild-type and the mutant mice. Since the null mutant mice are unable to produce 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, it is clear 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D is not responsible for vitamin D intoxication. On the other hand, 25-hydroxyvitamin D rises to levels of 400–700 ng/ml or 1000–1750 nM in the serum of both groups of mice. Toxicity was evidenced by severe hypercalcemia and weight loss. Measurement of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in serum confirmed its absence from serum of the CYP27B1 −/− mice given 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. Since high concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D can bind the vitamin D receptor and can induce transcription, 25-hydroxyvitamin D is likely responsible for toxicity of vitamin D excess.