This invention discloses 17,20(Z)-dehydro vitamin D analogs, and
specifically
17(Z)-1.alpha.,25-dihydroxy-17(20)-dehydro-2-methylene-19-nor-vitamin
D.sub.3 and pharmaceutical uses therefor. This compound exhibits
pronounced activity in arresting the proliferation of undifferentiated
cells and inducing their differentiation to the monocyte thus evidencing
use as an anti-cancer agent and for the treatment of skin diseases such
as psoriasis as well as skin conditions such as wrinkles, slack skin, dry
skin and insufficient sebum secretion. This compound also may be used to
treat autoimmune disorders and inflammatory diseases in humans as well as
renal osteodystrophy and obesity. This compound also has significant
calcemic activity making it a therapeutic agent for the treatment or
prophylaxis of osteoporosis, osteomalacia, renal osteodystrophy and
hypoparathyroidism.