The effects of six natural vitamin D metabolites of potential biological and therapeutic interest, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3), 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH-D3), 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24R,25-(OH)2D3), 1,24R,25-trihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,24R,25-(OH)3D3), 25S,26-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (25S,26-(OH)2D3) and 1,25S,26-trihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25S,26-(OH)3D3) on cell replication and expression of the osteoblastic phenotype in terms of osteocalcin production were examined in cultured human bone cells. At a dose of 5 × 10−12 mol/l, 1,25-(OH)2D3 stimulated cell proliferation, whereas at higher doses (5 × 10−9−5 × 10 −6 mol/l) cell growth was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. The same pattern of effects was seen for the other metabolites in a rank order of potency: 1,25-(OH)2D3> 1,25S,26-(OH)3D3 = 1,24R,25-(OH)3D3>25S,26-(OH)2D3 = 24R,25-(OH)2D3 = 25-OH-D3. Synthesis of osteocalcin was induced by 1,25-(OH)2D3 in doses similar to those required to inhibit cell proliferation. Biphasic responses were observed for some of the metabolites in terms of osteocalcin synthesis, inhibitory effects becoming apparent at 5 × 10−6 mol/l. The cells did not secrete osteocalcin spontaneously. These results indicate that vitamin D metabolites may regulate growth and expression of differentiated functions of normal human osteoblasts. J. Endocr. (1985) 105, 391–396