1, 25(OH)2-23ene-D3 is a novel vitamine D3 analog which has a double bond between C-23 and C-24. We describe the effects of this analog on cell differentiation and cell proliferation in vitro using the human histiocytic lymphoma cell line U937, and on calcium metabolism in rats in vivo. In the present investigation 1, 25(OH)2-23ene-D3 was compared to the natural metabolite of vitamin D3, 1$alpha$, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol[1, 25(OH)2-23ene-D3 was more potent than 1, 25(OH)2-23ene-D3 for inhibition of proliferation and induction of differentiation of U937 cells. Especially, its effect on induction of differentiation, as measured by superoxide production and nonspecific esterase(NSE) activity, was about 20-fold more potent that 1, 25(OH)2-23ene-D3. This analog morphologically and functionally differentiated U937 cells to monocyte-macrophage phenotype showing a decrease of N/C ratio in Giemsa staining and the increase of adherence ability to surface. Intraperitoneal administration of 1, 25(OH)2-23ene-D3 to rats showed that the compound had at least 50 times less activity than 1, 25(OH)2-23ene-D3 in causing hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria. The strong direct effects of 1, 25(OH)2-23ene-D3 on cell proliferation and cell differentiation, coupled with its decreased activity of calcium metabolism make this compound an interesting candidate for clinical studies including patients with leukemia, as well as several skin disorders, such as psoriasis.