Vitamin D intoxication and the pathogenesis of vitamin D nephropathy in the dog

Am J Vet Res. 1979 Jan;40(1):73-83.

Abstract

Dogs given excess vitamin D (500 or 1,000 micrograms/kg of body weight each day for 1 to 3 weeks were observed for clinical and pathologic changes of increased blood pressure and of characteristic nephropathy associated with vitamin D toxicosis or hypercalcemia. Serum calcium and serum urea nitrogen (UN) increased throughout the treatment period, but serum phosphorus remained within the normal range. Plasma renin activity increased markedly. Blood pressure showed only insignificnat changes (P = greater than 0.05). Gross and microscopic examination of the kidneys suggested vascular-oriented changes with an ischemic basis. Glomerular vascular poles showed hypertrophy and hyperplasia of juxtaglomerular cells. Ultrastructually, an increase in the number of secretory granules was noticed in these cells. A hypothesis regarding the mechanism of renal injury during vitamin D toxicosis is presented.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Pressure
  • Blood Urea Nitrogen
  • Calcium / blood
  • Dog Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Dog Diseases / pathology
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Kidney / ultrastructure
  • Kidney Diseases / chemically induced
  • Kidney Diseases / pathology
  • Kidney Diseases / veterinary*
  • Male
  • Renin / blood
  • Vitamin D / poisoning*

Substances

  • Vitamin D
  • Renin
  • Calcium