The Role of 1 α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3 in the Myeloid Cell Differentiation

Abstract

Conclusion

1α,25-(OH)₂D₃ modulates not only extracellular calcium homeostasis, but also growth, differentiation, and fusion of hemopoietic cells. Two aspects of the effects of 1α,25-(OH)₂D₃ in modulating cell growth and differentiation appear important: first, 1α,25-(OH)₂D₃ regulates osteoclast formation; in other words, skeletal homeostasis by modulating differentiation and fusion of osteoclast progenitors. Second, 1α,25-(OH)₂D₃ appears to act as a biologic response modifier in cell growth and differentiation. We expect that a better understanding of the differentiating action of 1α,25-(OH)₂D₃ will provide important clues to the physiology and pathophysiology of several clinical states.