Parathyroid gland, calcium and phosphate regulation Flashcards
Where is calcium mostly stored?
Sequestered in bone
What form is calcium sequestered to bones?
Hydroxyapatite crystals
What is the purpose of the skeleton?
- Structural support
- Major reserve of calcium
- Helps to buffer serum levels
- Releasing calcium phosphate into interstitium
- Up taking calcium phosphate
What is the normal serum calcium level (range)?
2.2-2.6 mM
What are the three interconvertible fractional forms of calcium in plasma?
- Ionized
- Protein bound
- Complexed (with low-molecular-weight inorganic ions such as citrate)
List some uses of calcium in the body?
- Build and maintain bones and teeth
- Regulates heart rhythm
- Assists in normal blood clotting (factor 4)
- Help maintain proper nerve and muscle function
- Needed for activity of some enzymes
- Required for nerve transmission
What are the 3 hormones involved in the regulation of calcium serum levels?
- Parathyroid hormone
- Calcitriol (1,25(OH)2D)
- Calcitonin
How much calcium does an average 70kg man contain?
~1000g
How much calcium is excreted a day for an average 70kg man?
~1000g (825 from faeces and 175 from urine)
What effect does PTH have on serum calcium levels?
Increases
What is the half life of PTH?
4 minutes
Where is PTH synthesised?
PTH is CONSTANTLY synthesised in chief cells of parathyroid gland (also constantly degraded)
What are the 3 target organs of PTH and their subsequent effect?
- Bone = increased resorption
- Intestine = activates vitamin D thus increase transcellular uptake from GI (Vit D to Calcitriol)
- Kidneys = increased Calcium reabsorption (less lost from urine)
Describe the mechanism of PTH on bones
- induces osteoblastic cells to activate osteoclasts and protect them from apoptosis (through cytokines)
- PTH decreases osteoblast activity exposing bony surface to osteoclasts
- Reabsorption of mineralized bone and released of Pi and Ca 2+ into ECF
List sources of vitamin D
- Body (exposure to sunlight)
- Cheese
- Butter
- Fortified milk and cereals
- Fish