Regulation of Calcium and Phosphate Metabolism Flashcards
Where is most calcium stored?
In bones and teeth
The extracellular calcium concentration has a dramatic effect on the ? of cells
Excitability (particularly nerve fibers)
What are symptoms of hypocalcemia?
Hyperreflexia, spontaneous twitching, muscle cramps, tingling, numbness
What is Chvostek sign?
Twitching of facial muscles elicited by tapping on facial nerve when patient is hypocalcemic
What is Trousseau sign?
Carpopedal spasm upon inflation of BP cuff
What are symptoms of hypercalcemia?
Decreased QT interval, constipation, decreased appetite, polyuria (excess dilute urine), polydipsia (thirst), muscles weakness, hyporeflexia, lethargy, coma
What causes hypocalcemic tetany?
Hypocalcemia reduces activation threshold for Na+ channels = increased membrane excitability = easier to evoke APs (aka spontaneous APs occur)
How do acidemia and alkalemia alter ionized Ca2+ concentration?
Acidemia = more H+ bound to albumin (-) so less Ca2+ bound = more free Ca2+
Alkalemia - more Ca2+ bound to albumin (-), decreased free Ca2+ concentration (usually accompanied by hypocalcemia)
To maintain Ca2+ balance, kidneys must excrete ___ Ca2+ that is absorbed by the GI tract
The same amount
What is the relationship between Ca2+ and phosphate?
Inverse relationship
Extracellular [Pi] is regulated by?
The same hormones that regulate [Ca2+]
What is the normal range of extracellular Pi?
2.5-4.5 mg/dL
Where is most Pi located?
Bone (85%) and ICF (15%). <1% in plasma
Explain the regulation of PTH gene expression and secretion
High levels of Ca2+ bind to calcium sensing receptors (CaSR) which are Gi GPCRs in parathyroid cell membranes. The downstream effects of these GPCRs = inhibition of PTH gene in parathyroid cells and inhibition of PTH secretion
What does chronic hypercalcemia cause?
Decreased synthesis/storage of PTH (chief cells) and increased breakdown of stored PTH
What does chronic hypocalcemia cause?
Increased synthesis/storage of PTH and hyperplasia of parathyroid glands (secondary hyperparathyroidism)