The Involvement of the Endocrine System in Regulating Cardiovascular Function: Emphasis on Vitamin D3*

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Abstract
Introduction DURING the last decade studies in a number of laboratories have provided evidence to suggest that the endocrine system plays an important role in regulating cardiovascular function. These studies have shown that the hormones insulin and thyroid hormone exert significant effects on key elements involved in regulating the activity of the cardiovascular system, including the distribution of myosin isozymes, the calcium pumping activity of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and coronary flow. Recently, investigations have shown that the hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], which is the active metabolite of vitamin D3, can also regulate cardiovascular function. The regulatory effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 include enhancement of cardiac and vascular muscle contractile function, modulation of blood pressure, and changes in myocardial collagen. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge regarding the involvement of the endocrine system in regulating cardiovascular function, with emphasis on the recently described role of the vitamin D3 endocrine system in this regulation.

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