MATERNAL VITAMIN-D STATUS HAS NO EFFECT ON THE ONTOGENY OF CALCIUM-BINDING PROTEINS IN THE DUODENUM, KIDNEY AND CEREBELLUM OF FETAL MICE

The effects of vitamin D, deficiency on the ontogeny of calcium-bindin g proteins (CaBPs) and the vitamin D receptor in the duodenum, kidney and cerebellum of the mouse were examined. Maternal Vitamin D status d id not affect the time of appearance of the fetal 28 kDa CaBP (CaBP-D- 28k) in the cerebellum, kidney and duodenum, and the 9 kDa CaBP (CaBP- D-9k) in the intestine and kidney. Vitamin D receptor was undetectable in all fetal tissues, regardless of maternal vitamin D status, at all stages of gestation examined. Thus it appears that maternal vitamin D status does not affect the ontogeny of CaBP-D-9k or CaBP-D-28k in the mouse fetus. The factors that influence the appearance of calbindins in the fetus are unclear.