Sex-related differences in the skeletal phenotype of aged vitamin D receptor global knockout mice

Abstract

The role of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in maintaining skeletal health appears to be complex and dependent on the physiological context. Global Vdr deletion in a mouse model (Vdr−/−) results in hypocalcemia, secondary hyperparathyroidism and bone features typical of vitamin D-dependent rickets type II. When weanling Vdr−/− mice are fed a diet containing high levels of calcium, phosphorus and lactose, termed the rescue diet, normalisation of serum calcium, phosphate and parathyroid hormone levels results in prevention of rickets at 10 weeks of age. However, 17 week old male Vdr −/− mice, fed the rescue diet, have been reported as osteopenic due to a decrease in bone formation when compared t..