Abstract
Irradiated ergosterol (viosterol) has been employed therapeutically in clinical hyperparathyroidism (Ostitis fibrosa cystica, or v. Recklinghausen's disease) to supplement operative treatment. Snapper 1 referred to one case in which “vigantol” had to be given to promote the recalcification of the skeleton after removal of a parathyroid adenoma; he also mentions Regnier's mild case of clinical hyperparathyroidism in which considerable amelioration of the condition had been induced with “vigantol”, ultraviolet light, and heat. However, Wilder and Johnson 2 stated that viosterol did not prevent the decalcification of the skeleton in experimental hyperparathyroidism in rats.
The protective and curative effects of small doses of irradiated ergosterol in disorders of calcium metabolism are well known, especially through its use in rickets. On the other hand, large and toxic doses may induce decalcification of the skeleton and a negative mineral balance (Shohl, Goldblatt and Brown, 3 Soeur, 4 and Taylor, Weld, Branion, and Kay. 5 ) Rapid decalcification and fibrous repair of bone in guinea pigs treated with suitably high doses of parathormone has been observed regularly. 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 In this study we investigated the possible influence of viosterol on the bone lesions of experimental hyperparathyroidism. The viosterol (Mead Johnson and Co. 250-D, diluted with corn oil) was given by mouth. A tuberculin syringe with a 19 gauge needle with squared end was used to allow accurate measurement of the doses.
The experimental animals were divided into 3 groups. The first group consisted of 5 guinea pigs weighing between 220 and 290 gm. They were first given viosterol daily for 7 to 10 days. The daily dose of viosterol was adjusted so that one guinea pig of the group received 10 mg. (250-D), 2 received 20 mg., and 1 each received 40 mg. and 80 mg., respectively.
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