Calcium and Phosphate Homeostasis Flashcards
Where is most of the body’s Calcium found?
Bones and teeth
What is the biologically active form of Calcium?
Free, ionized
Decreased calcium levels in the plasma
Hypocalcemia
Increased calcium levels in the plasma
Hypercalcemia
What are some signs of hypocalcemia?
Muscle twitching, hyperreflexia, muscle cramps and tingling and numbness
What does hypocalcemia do to the membrane excitability?
It increases membrane excitability (spontaneous APs) by reducing the activation threshold of sodium channels
What are 3 things that can change the calcium concentration in the plasma?
Changes in plasma protein concentration
Changes in anion concentration
Acid-base abnormalities
If there is an increase in plasma protein, what does that do to the calcium concentration?
Increases total Calcium
If there is an increase in an anion (ex. phosphate), what does that do to the calcium concentration?
Decreases ionized Calcium
Alters ionized concentration of calcium by changing fraction of calcium bound to albumin
Acid-base abnormalities
If less calcium is bound to albumin, what does that do to ionized calcium levels in the plasma?
Increases them (acidemia)
If more calcium is bound to albumin, what does that do to ionized calcium levels in the plasma?
Decreases them (Alkalemia)
What are the 3 main hormones that control calcium and phosphate homeostasis?
PTH, Vitamin D and Calcitonin
In order to maintain calcium balance, what must the kidney do?
Excrete the same amount of calcium that the GI tract absorbed
What is the optimal level of calcium in the ECF?
10 mg/ml
Phosphate concentration is _____ related to calcium concentrations
Inversely
Only 50% of calcium is ionized, what is the percentage of phosphate that is ionized?
84%
What cells in the parathyroid synthesize and secrete PTH?
Chief cells
If there is LOW calcium plasma levels, what will be secreted MORE?
PTH
What inhibits PTH synthesis and secretion?
Hypercalcemia
What senses calcium plasma levels?
CaSR receptors
If there is low calcium, PTH will increase. What are its main actions?
Increase bone resorption
Increase Calcium reabsorption from kidneys
Increase Calcium reabsorption from intestines