Low levels of intestinal vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein in juvenile X-linked hypophosphatemic mice.

Hyp mice are a model for human X-linked hypophosphatemia, the most common form of vitamin D-resistant rickets. The developmental appearance of intestinal vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein (CaBP) and alkaline phosphatase was studied in Hyp mice and normal mice from the perinatal period to adulthood. Both intestinal proteins were increased in the duodenum during weeks 2 and 3 of age, with values rising 10-fold or more above values measured in intestines of 1-week-old mice. During this developmental period and at most other ages, Hyp mice had levels of alkaline phosphatase and total intestinal protein comparable to those in control mice. On the other hand, the concentration of intestinal CaBP was decreased in juvenile Hyp mice during the weaning period at 2-3 weeks of age (35-65% of normal) and further depressed in the rapid growth phase at 4-6 weeks of age (15-45% of normal). During adulthood (7-35 weeks of age) Hyp mice maintained a CaBP concentration that averaged 71% of the level of control mice. These maturational defects in the Hyp intestine may play a contributory role in the bone disease in young Hyp mice.