A CLINICAL STUDY OF THE POSTULATED ANTAGONISM BETWEEN GLUCOCORTICOIDS AND VITAMIN D

Abstract

Present knowledge and theory concerning the postulated antagonism between the glucocorticoids and vitamin D is first considered. Attempts at assessment of cortisone/calciferol antagonism were made in 3 groups of subjects. First, the effect of cortisone was observed in 4 normal volunteers who were taking large doses of calciferol. Then calciferol, in doses ranging from 100 000 units to 400 000 units daily, was given to hypoadrenal subjects and to sufferers from hypercortisolism (Cushing''s syndrome), in order to observe whether dysadrenalism would alter the sensitivity to the vitamin. Results indicate that cortisone did not appear to counteract the observed effects of calciferol while the vitamin was being taken concurrently. Hypoadrenal subjects were not more sensitive to the vitamin, nor were hyperadrenal subjects less sensitive than normal. Finally, the expression of the "incomplete antagonism" between cortisone and vitamin D is summarised.