Vitamin D3 application and factors of its activity in the adrenal cortex of andropausal rats: A functionally-histological study

• Published in: Annals of anatomy Vol. 256; p. 152322
• Main Authors: Ajdžanović, Vladimir, Šošić-Jurjević, Branka, Živanović, Jasmina, Miler, Marko, Stanković, Sanja, Ranin, Jovan, Filipović, Branko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Elsevier GmbH 01.10.2024
• Subjects: Adrenal cortex; Andropause; Enzymes; Rats; Vitamin D3; DHEA; PBS; UV; Vitamin D3; Enzymes; DAB; 3β-HSD; VDR; Adrenal cortex; Rats; Andropause; ZF; CYP 27B1; ZG; Orx+vit. D; PB; Orx; CYP 24; CRH; HPA; ZR; COVID 19; CYP 2R1; SO
• ISSN: 0940-9602; 1618-0402; 1618-0402
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152322

Vitamin D supplementation in aging subjects manifests a positive effect on various health-related parameters. We performed a functionally-histological analysis of the adrenal cortex regarding the factors of vitamin D activity and corticosterone output after vitamin D3 application in a rat model of the andropause. Middle-aged Wistar rats were divided into sham operated (SO; n=8), orchidectomized (Orx; n=8) and vitamin D3-treated orchidectomized (Orx+vit. D; n=8) groups. Vitamin D3 (5 μg/kg b.m.) was administered subcutaneously for three weeks, while the SO and Orx groups received the vehicle alone. Set objectives were achieved using histochemistry/immunohistochemistry, stereology, ultrastructural and biochemical analyses. Orchidectomy (Orx) decreased the adrenal cortex-related volume densities of vascular (p<0,0001), vitamin D receptor (VDR; p<0,0166), cytochrome P450 oxidase 2R1 (CYP 2R1; p<0,0001) and cytochrome P450 oxidase 24 (CYP 24; p<0,0001) depots, but increased the volume density of cytochrome P450 27B1 (CYP 27B1; p<0,0001) depots. In Orx+vit. D rats, increase of the adrenal cortex-related volume densities of collagen (p<0,0001), VDR (p<0,0001) and CYP 2R1 (p<0,0001) depots as well as the lipid-droplet diameter (p<0,0001) in adrenocortical outer zona fasciculata cells was observed, while a decrease of volume densities of the vascular (p<0,0001), CYP 27B1 (p<0,0001) and CYP 24 (p<0,0001) depots was registered, all versus Orx group. Plasma level of ACTH was decreased (p=0,0155) and serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and corticosterone were increased (p<0,0001 and p=0,0187, respectively), all after the same treatment. Increased corticosterone output after vitamin D3 application to andropausal rats appears not to be related to increased availability of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and decreased degradation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in adrenal tissue, but rather involves the central regulatory mechanisms. •Vitamin D3 supplementation is beneficial for maintaining health in the elderly.•Enzymes CYP 2R1 and CYP 27B1 activate vitamin D3, and CYP 24 inactivates its forms.•In the rat adrenal cortex, the active vitamin D3 form is available upon application.•The capacity for corticosterone secretion in vitamin D3 treated rats is increased.•Central effects seem to be responsible for this feedback-driven corticosterone output.