Parathyroid And Calcium Regulation

An informative article on: Parathyroid And Calcium Regulation.

The parathyroid gland is a tiny gland consisting of densely grouped cells located at the posterior part of the neck. There are at least four such glands in the body, and they are responsible for the production of the parathyroid hormone (PTH), otherwise called pathormone. Being the last organ of the human body to be discovered, the parathyroid is mainly responsible for the maintenance of calcium levels. The relationship between the parathyroid and calcium regulation will be discussed in detail in this article.

The Role of the Parathyroid Hormone

The function of the parathyroid and calcium regulation is simple. What it does is to ensure that calcium levels are within normal range. If it is low, PTH works to increase calcium ion levels. There are three mechanisms of action involved: stimulation of bone calcium absorption, enhancement of small intestine calcium absorption, and suppression of kidney calcium excretion. When the PTH stimulates absorption of calcium in the bones, it allows calcium to enter the bloodstream. When it enhances absorption of calcium in the small intestines, in stimulates production of Vitamin D, which helps to synthesize protein binding with calcium. Lastly, by stopping the excretion of calcium in the kidney via urine, it prevents calcium loss.

Controlling the Secretion of PTH

The parathyroid and calcium regulation process is controlled mostly by blood plasma calcium level. There are receptors located in the parathyroid cells that sense calcium levels, and when found that the levels are low then these receptors send negative feedback to the parathyroid glands. These calcium-sensing receptors activate the phospholipase C pathway. Once activated, the PTH will undergo a process called exocytosis, and comes out as a polypeptide with 84 amino acids, thereby increasing calcium concentration. If there are changes in blood phosphate levels, it can be expected that there will also be changes in PTH secretion. Low calcium ion concentration will result to high PTH secretion.

Parathyroid Diseases

Diseases associated with the parathyroid and calcium regulation are quite serious, and if not treated immediately, could lead to grave consequences. These diseases are mainly a result of too much or too little PTH. Excessive PTH secretion leads to primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Primary hyperparathyroidism is triggered by tumors in the parathyroid, which causes the gland to secrete hormones uncontrollably, causing chronic increase of calcium levels. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is usually a result of preexisting conditions, leading to bone decalcification. The disease associated with too little PTH secretion is hypoparathyroidism, resulting to convulsions, tetany, and even death.

Treatment of Parathyroid Diseases

Hyperparathyroidism or hypercalcemia can be treated either through medication, supplementation, medical procedures, or surgery. Usually, patients are required to take oral calcium, with a dosage of 1g per day. Advanced cases will require hemodialysis but to really cure the disease, the patient needs to undergo surgery. Hypoparathyroidism or hypocalcemia, on the other hand, would require calcium gluconate treatment. In some cases, vitamin D replacement is also needed, particularly if the condition is triggered by a deficiency of this vitamin.

Parathyroid and calcium regulation is a very important mechanism in the body, and any abnormality in the action of the parathyroid glands could affect various organs. If there are indications that the aforementioned diseases are present, an appointment with a qualified doctor is necessary.