Disorders of Calcium, phosphate and magnesium Flashcards
Why is calcium physiologically important?
Muscle contraction
Neuronal signalling
Coagulation
Enzyme activity
Key mineral component of bone (hydroxyapatite)
What is the importance of phosphate?
ATP
Intracellular signalling
Cellular metabolic process
Backbone of DNA
INTRACELLULAR
What is the importance of magnesium?
Cofactor for ATP
Neuromuscular excitability
Enzyme fucntion
Ion channel regulation
INTRACELLULAR
What mechanisms are involved in homeostasis of ions?
- Storage
- Tissue redistribution
- Intake (dietary)
- Excretion
What are the key factors that control calcium levels?
PTH
Vit D
What is the only fraction of calcium that is physiologically active?
Ionised calcium
What other forms of calcium are there?
Bound calcium e.g. to albumin
Complexed - salts e.g. calcium phosphate, calcium citrate
What is the normal range for total calcium>
2.2-2.6 mol/L
What is the distribution for physiologically active Ca and inactive (i.e.bound/complexed)
50:50
How does alkalosis and acidosis change proportion of bound calcium?
Alkalosis - increased calcium-albumin, reduced ionised calcium
Acidosis - reduced calcium-albumin, increases ionised calcium
Because H+ ions compete with Ca++ for albumin binding sites
What can alkalosis cause?
Tetany - increased ionised calcium
What are the endogenous factors for vit D
Endogenous - skin colour, ageing
What are the exogenous factors for vit D
Ozone, sunscreen and clothing (cultural), season, time of day, supplements
What else does fit D fall with?
Age
BMI
body fat
Whats effect does PTH have on the gut?
Increased vit D release from kidney
Increased bit D increases calcium absorption from gut