Regulation of Ca2+, Pi and Mg2+ Balance Flashcards
Ca2+
Ca2+
Ca2+
Ca2+
In what forms does Calcium exist in our body?
1. Ionized
2. Bound to plasma proteins
3. Complexed in a non-ionized form.
-The ionized forms and the non-ionized forms are considered biologically active.
As we have discussed, 99% of calcium is stored in bone, 1% in ICF and 0.1% in ECF.
What is the total plasma level and the biologically active plasma level?
total plasma level: 5.0 mEq/L
biologically active plasma level: 2.4 mEq/L
Recall that protein-bound solutes cannot be filtered by the glomerulus. Only 60% of calcium is not protein-bound: therefore, when you calculate filtered load, you have to do what?
Multiply plasma calcium by .6 because we can only calculate the filterable amount.
As we have said, Ca+ can be bound to proteins, such as plasma albumin.
Discuss why [hydrogen] and [calcium] are considered frenemies.
H+ and Ca2+ compete for binding on albumin, which is negatively charged.
- Increase H+ ions (acidosis) –> bind to albumin–> increase the amount of free Ca2+–> increase the filtered load of Ca2+.
- Decrease in H+ ions (alkalosis) –> decrease the amount of free Ca2+ bc it is bound to albumin. This can predispose ppl to hypocalcemic tetany.
Hypoalbuminemia–> ____ plasma Ca2+
Hyperalbuminemia–> _____ plasma Ca2+
- Hypoalbuminemia–> increases plasma Ca2+ because there are less albumin proteins for Ca2+ to bind to
- Hyperalbuminemia–> decrease plasma Ca2+ because there are more albumin proteins for Ca2+ to bind to
Another name for calcitriol is __________
Vitamin D
Role of calcitriol (vitamin D)
- Calcitriol (vitamin D) works with PTH to reabsorb bone by stimulaing osteoclasts (breaks up bone)–> Increase plasma concentrations of Ca2+ and phosphate
- It has different effects on bone, kidney and intestines.
Overall: the net effect of calcitriol is to increase serum Ca2+ and Pi.
How does it so in the:
- bone
- instestine
- kidney
-
Bone
- Promotes osteoid mineralization by controlling the proper ratio of calcium and phosphate.
- Stimulates osteoclasts to resorb (break down) bone
-
Intestine
- Increases calcium and phosphate absorption
-
Kidney
- Increases calcium and phosphate reabsorption
What does calcitonin do?
Calcitonin does the opposite of calcitriol and PTH: decrease plasma Ca2+ levels by acting on the [bone and kidney].
- Bone: Decreases osteoclast activity and number.
- Kidney: + excretion of Ca2+ and P.
Calcitonin is used to treat:
- Osteoporosis
- Paget’s disease
- Hypercalcemia
Main fx of PTH
- Increase serum Ca2+
- Decrease serum Pi
PTH acts on the [bone, intestine and kidney].
What are its effects on each?
Bone
- Increases osteoclastic activity–> Ca2+ resorption
Intestine
- Increases Ca2+/Pi absorption indirectly by working with Calcitriol.
Kidney
- Increases reabsorption of Ca2+, mainly in the DCT
- Decreases reabsorption of Pi in the PCT
- Decreases Na/H antitransporter
- Decreases HCO3- reabsorption
Excess PTH can cause what (3):
1. Hypercalcemia
2. Hypophosphatemia
3. Hypercholermic metabolic acidosis
What is the primary way our body senses Ca2+ levels?
CaSR (Calcium sensing receptor)
How does CaSR work?
CaSR is expressed on the interstitial (BL) side of the cell (detecting ECF calcium levels).
- When plasma Ca2+ is high, CaSR is activated to inhibit reabsorption of calcium on the apical side, specifically by inhibiting NKCC2 channels.
Recall: What is the role of NKCC2 channels in Ca2+ concentration?
- NKCC2 channels are needed for the paracellular reabsorption of Ca2+, because they cause a net influx of negative ions by allowing of [Na+ in, a K+ in, two Cl-] in, and a K out (via potassium leak channels).
- This net negative influx creates a net positive electrical gradient in the intertubular fluid, which allows Ca2+ to be reabsorbed paracellularly.
Draw what happens when we have low plasma Ca2+
Draw how we obtain high plasma Ca2+.
What are the tubular sites and mechanisms of Ca2+ reabsorption?
Proximal tubule is the main site of calcium reabsorption (65-70%).
- The transport is passive and paracellular due to high concentration and follows sodium and water.
Thick ascending limb:“lumen positive voltage” established by the NKCC2 transporter drives Ca2+ reabsorption via a paracellular path.
- CaSR is located on the BL surface: increase in peritubular Ca2+ decreases Ca2+ reabsorption
Distal tubule actively reabsorbs only ~8% of Ca2+, but is the major site of regulation.
- DT has renal epithelial Ca2+ channels called “TRPV5” that is regulated by Calcitrol.
- Also has a Ca2+ binding protein (calbindin) that prevents adverse consequences (apoptosis) of excessive intracellular Ca2+ concentration.