Increased clearance of 1,25(OH)2D3 and tissue-specific responsiveness to 1,25(OH)2D3 in diabetic rats

The kinetics of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2-D3] and the in vivo response to 1,25(OH)2D3 (7.5, 15, and 30 ng/100 g body wt), infused or injected subcutaneously for 12-14 days, were studied in male spontaneously diabetic and control BB rats. In control rats, increasing doses of 1,25(OH)2D3 produced parallel increases in plasma 1,25(OH)2D3 and calcium, urinary calcium, duodenal CaBP9K, and renal CaBP28K. 1,25-(OH)2D3 at 30 ng/100 g markedly raised plasma osteocalcin and osteoblast/osteoid surfaces in the tibial metaphysis, but inhibited bone mineralization rate. In diabetic rats, plasma 1,25-(OH)2D3 concentrations were decreased, and the rise of plasma 1,25(OH)2D3 during 1,25(OH)2D3 infusion was blunted, but the free 1,25(OH)2D3 index remained normal or above normal. Diabetic rats had an increased metabolic clearance rate of 1,25-(OH)2D3 (0.38 +/- 0.015 vs. 0.24 +/- 0.007 ml.min-1.kg-1), with no further increase in 1,25(OH)2D3-infused diabetic rats; their relative production rate of 1,25(OH)2D3 was unchanged. The responses of plasma and urinary calcium, duodenal CaBP9K, and renal CaBP28K to infused 1,25(OH)2D3 were normal, as was duodenal calcium absorption in 1,25(OH)2D3-injected diabetic rats. However, the virtual absence of osteoblasts/osteoid in trabecular bone was unaltered in diabetic rats infused with 30 ng/100 g 1,25(OH)2D3, with only minimal increase of their low plasma osteocalcin levels. 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment therefore cannot be expected to reverse diabetic osteopenia.

Impact de la compétition exercée par le framboisier (Rubusidaeus L.) et les feuillus de lumière sur la croissance du sapin (Abiesbalsamea (L.) Mill.) en régénération

This paper discusses the impact of competing vegetation on balsam fir (Abiesbalsamea (L.) Mill.) seedling growth. The study consisted of 12 permanent sample blocks of 0.5 ha. In each one, about 60 seedlings were selected to represent the various levels of competition. Ten competition indices were computed and compared for their relationship with balsam fir growth in height and diameter. Growth was slightly reduced by the competing vegetation but the relative production rate was not affected. An index using competing vegetation density and height relative to the seedling was selected for its simplicity and good correlation with the growth parameters. A simulation indicates that height growth for the next 5 years should remain correlated, although weakly, with the competing vegetation abundance. Balsam fir would be able to quickly overtop raspberry but would remain in the understory for some time when overtopped by hardwood light demanders.

Asymmetric, two-sided competition in even-aged monocultures of red pine

A framework for analysis of even-aged plant monocultures was developed and used to examine hypotheses on the process of competition, using data obtained from three independently established red pine (Pinusresinosa Ait.) stand-density experiments. Growth rate and relative production rate (a measure of tree vigour) were computed for the individual trees in stands of differing density at points in time when these stands had the same mean stem volume. Competition is shown to be both asymmetric (small trees lose vigour more rapidly than large trees as density increases) and two-sided (not only do larger trees affect smaller trees, but to some degree small trees also cause growth reduction in larger neighbours). Increasing density results in increased size inequality as smaller trees lose vigour and become suppressed. The asymmetric, two-sided competition process in red pine stands is considered ecologically inherent for a species adapted to existence in even-aged monocultures.

A competition index for predicting the vigour of planted Douglas-fir in southwestern British Columbia

To provide a method of quantifying brush competition in coastal Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) plantations, data from 124 planted trees, 1–5 years old, were used to derive a competition index for predicting changes in tree vigour measured as a relative production rate. The index, including measures of brush proximity, relative height, and percent ground cover, appears to act as a measure of light interception around the tree crown. Tree vigour was found to be largely a function of the age of the tree from planting and the competition index (r2 = 0.71). Foliage-based measures of growth vigour were more strongly related to the index than basal area or height measures. The index has potential for assessing interspecific competition problems in young Douglas-fir plantations.