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Vitamin D And Parotid Gland Function In The Rat, C. Peterfy, A. Tenenhouse, E. Yu

Edward Yu

1. We previously reported that parotid gland secretion is decreased in rats deprived of vitamin D (Glijer, Peterfy & Tenenhouse, 1985). In the present study we examine whether this effect is a direct result of the absence of vitamin D or due to the secondary systemic effects of vitamin D deficiency. 2. Offspring of rats maintained on a calcium-supplemented (1.2%), vitamin-D-deficient diet were weaned onto the same diet and examined after 8 weeks. Using this method it was possible to maintain serum calcium and parathyroid hormone concentrations within normal limits. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D3) was not detectable, but 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D …