Pathophysiology of the Parathyroid Glands Flashcards
what cells secrete calcitonin?
parafollicular cells (C cells) in thyroid gland
calcitonin acts to ____________ calcium concentration
decrease
what hormone does calcitonin oppose?
parathyroid hormone
what are the general effects of parathyroid hormone?
increase calcium
decrease phosphorous
what hormone is the major regulator of calcium?
parathyroid hormone
who are parathyroid/Kursteiner’s cysts common in?
dogs
incidental finding
how common is primary hypoparathyroidism?
uncommon
what are the etiologies of primary hypoparathyroidism?
lymphocytic parathyroiditis
bilateral thyroidectomy
metastatic neoplasia
sepsis
idiopathic
what cytokines inhibit parathyroid hormone secretion?
IL-1
IL-6
is there a breed disposition to primary hypoparathyroidism?
no apparent
what are the clinical signs of primary hypoparathyroidism due to?
low extracellular (blood) calcium concentration
why does lack of calcium have neuromuscular effects?
calcium makes nerves less permeable to sodium
calcium is needed for release of acetylcholine
what are the laboratory findings for primary hypoparathyroidism?
low to undetectable iPTH
decreased total calcium and iCa: hypocalcemia
increased phosphorous: hyperphosphatemia
what is primary hyperparathyroidism caused by?
parathyroid tumor
what is the most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism in dogs, cats, and horses?
parathyroid (chief cell) adenoma
what laboratory findings are associated with primary hyperparathyroidism?
within normal limits or increased iPTH
increased calcium and iCa
low to lower-end of RI phosphorous
true/false: the mass is usually not palpable with primary hyperparathyroidism
true
what do primary hyperparathyroidism patients get in the urinary tract?
calcium-containing uroliths: 30%
secondary urinary tract infections: 24%
when can we see nephrocalcinosis with primary hyperparathyroidism?
Ca>16 mg/dL
when can skeletal changes be seen with primary hyperparathyroidism?
chronic cases
what skeletal changes can be seen with chronic cases of primary hyperparathyroidism?
diffuse skeletal demineralization
pathologic fractures
changes can be most notable in skull
what is secondary hyperparathyroidism commonly due to?
dietary problem