Calcium and Phosphate Regulation Flashcards
1,25 (OH)2 Vitamin D3 - other names
Calcitriol
What is the effect of PTH?
Increases serum Ca2+
How does PTH increase serum Ca2+?
- Bone: binds to PTHRs on osteoblasts which release OAFs (incl RANKL) that activate osteoclasts to break down bone and release Ca2+ and PO43- into the bloodstream.
- Kidneys: Binding of PTH causes increased reabsorption of Ca2+ and increased excretion of PO43-
Also: increases the production of 1-alpha-hydroxylase which increases calcitriol concentration and causes increased absorption of phosphate and calcium in the small intestine.
In what form is calcium found in bones?
hydroxyapatite crystals (containing calcium and phosphate)
How is phosphate regulated?
- in the gut and in the kidneys
- FGF23 -> inhibits the Na+/PO43- cotransporter in cells of proximal convoluted tubule -> reduces reabsorption, increases excretion in urine
- FGF-23 also has a negative effect on calcitriol and there is less phosphate absorption in the kidney
FGF-23 reduces the levels of phosphate in the blood.
How is phosphate reabsorbed?
- in the proximal convoluted tubule cells in the kidney
- via a sodium phosphate cotransporter which is inhibited by FGF23 and PTH
Where is FGF 23 derived from?
Bone (from osteocytes)
What are the serum phosphate levels in primary hyperparathyroidism?
- low because there is a lot of phosphate excretion via urine
- PTH inhibits sodium phosphate cotransporter
How are parathyroid cells regulated?
- high serum calcium -> binding of Ca2+ to calcium receptors inhibits PTH release
- low serum calcium, less binding -> less inhibition -> more PTH release
What are the effects of calcitriol?
- increased Ca absorption in the gut
- Ca2+ maintenance in bone
- negative feedback on PTH
What are the 2 sources of vitamin D?
- ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) from the diet
- 7-dehydrocholesterol is turned into VitaminD3 (cholecalciferol) via UVB light
What are the 5 main causes of Vitamin D deficiency?
- Malabsorption or dietary insufficiency (e.g. coealiac disease, IBD)
- Lack of access to UVB light / lack of sunlight
- Liver disease / liver failure
- Renal disease / renal failure
- Receptor defects (very rare, autosomal recessive, resistant to vitamin D treatment)
What is the role of the liver with regards to vitamin D?
- stores inactive precursor
HOW DO CHANGES IN EC CALCIUM AFFECT NERVE AND SKELETAL MUSCLE EXCITABILITY?
- To generate an AP in nerves/skeletal muscle requires Na+ influx across cell membrane
- HIGH ec calcium (HYPERcalcaemia) = Ca2+ blocks Na+ influx, so LESS membrane excitability
- LOW ec calcium (HYPOcalcaemia) = enables GREATER Na+ influx, so MORE membrane excitability
What are the signs and symptoms of HYPOcalcameia?
- Ca2+ below normal range (2.2 - 2.6 mmol/L)
- sensitises excitable tissues (muscle cramps/ tetany, tingling)
- parasthesia (= pins and needles, hands, mouth, feet, lips)
- convulsions & seizures if it drops very fast
- arrythmias
- tetany
-> CATs go numb