Hi >I'm not sure why this is, but it may have something to do with the way D3 >is created and transported. It is created by the synthesis of >7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin by UV light. This is bound to serum >protein and transported to the liver where it is finally transformed >into >the end product, 1,25-DHCC.
Well, I have to correct myself, 1,25 DHCC is transported and transformed in the kidneys, not the liver. It does go by the liver, where it is transformed into 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-HCC) and from there is goes to the kidneys. Sorry about that. Also, I belived someone was wondering how long, or how much, exposure to UV radition reptiles need to produce enough D3. I came over this research paper stating that a Zoo-Med Iguana Light 5.0 at 12" would create enough radiation to begin D3 production in less than 1 hour (20 mJ/cm2). This is a measure of energy received by the skin. The power of a lamp reaching a target such as skin is measured in � W/cm2. Multiplying this figure by the time of exposure gives the mJ/cm2 figure. One more important thing is that it looks like you cannot expose reptiles to too much UV radation. What I mean by that is that research show animal skin only can transform 15% of 7-DHC to previtamin D3. This acts as a regulatory device, making it impossible for an animal to produce too much D3. Ok, since everyone is sound asleep now, I'll shut up. :) Merry Christmas everyone! Magnus _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp. ########################################################################### THE GLOBAL GECKO ASSOCIATION LISTSERV WebSite: www.gekkota.com Archive: [EMAIL PROTECTED]/ The GGA takes no responsibility for the contents of these postings. ###########################################################################
