Plasma levels of vitamin D3 metabolites during parr-smolt transformation of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L.

Plasma vitamin D and vitamin D metabolites were measured in Atlantic salmon parr during smoltification and after transfer to seawater. The fish were fed commercial feed for 5 months under natural light, and Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase was measured as an indicator of the smoltification status. No significant differences were recorded in the level of plasma vitamin D metabolites. However, a tendency of increasing plasma concentration of 25OHD₃ and also a temporary increase in plasma 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and 24,25(OH)₂D₃ were recorded prior to seawater transfer. The minor changes in plasma levels of the metabolites indicate a role of the vitamin D metabolites during parr–smolt transformation, although we do not know whether the increased levels are caused by increased synthesis of the metabolites or by decreased binding to receptors or decreased excretion.