23(S),25(R)-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-26,23-lactone stimulates murine bone formation in vivo.

23(S),25(R)-1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3-26,23-lactone (1,25-lactone) has been shown to have unique actions different from those of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3]. In contrast to 1,25-(OH)2D3, 1,25-lactone causes a significant reduction in the serum Ca2+ level, stimulates collagen production in an osteoblastic cell line, and inhibits bone resorption induced by 1,25-(OH)2D3. A possible effect of 1,25-lactone on bone formation was examined in experiments on ectopic bone formation using a bone-inducing factor derived from Dunn osteosarcomas. 1,25-Lactone, a metabolite of 1,25-(OH)2D3, increased [3H]proline uptake at the stage of chondrogenesis and 85Sr uptake during bone formation. Significantly enlarged bone was also induced by this compound 3 weeks after implantation. These results suggest that the 1,25-lactone may be able to stimulate bone formation under in vivo conditions.