Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Two Techniques to Create Hypoparathyroid Mice: Parathyroidectomy Using GFP Glands and Diphtheria-Toxin-Mediated Parathyroid Ablation
07:13

Two Techniques to Create Hypoparathyroid Mice: Parathyroidectomy Using GFP Glands and Diphtheria-Toxin-Mediated Parathyroid Ablation

Published on: March 14, 2017

Parathyroid responsiveness to hypocalcemic and hypercalcemic stimuli in adult growth hormone deficiency after growth

Aftab M Ahmad1, Marion T Hopkins, Joegi Thomas

  • 1Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK. DRAAHMAD@Yahoo.com

American Journal of Physiology. Endocrinology and Metabolism
|May 14, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Growth hormone replacement therapy improves parathyroid gland function in adults with growth hormone deficiency (AGHD). This enhances calcium regulation and may help prevent osteoporosis in AGHD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Bone Metabolism

Background:

  • Adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) is linked to osteoporosis.
  • Altered parathyroid gland function may contribute to osteoporosis in AGHD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate parathyroid hormone (PTH) response to calcium challenges in AGHD patients.
  • To assess the effects of growth hormone replacement (GHR) on parathyroid gland function and calcium homeostasis.

Main Methods:

  • Measured endogenous PTH-(1-84) response to induced hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia.
  • Administered PTH-(1-34) infusion to assess calcemic response.
  • Evaluated patients before and during GHR.

Main Results:

  • GHR increased PTH-(1-84) stimulation and suppression at higher calcium levels.
  • GHR enhanced calcemic response to PTH-(1-34) infusion.
  • Calcium set point significantly increased after GHR, indicating improved calcium regulation.

Conclusions:

  • GHR enhances parathyroid gland sensitivity to calcium fluctuations.
  • GHR increases end-organ sensitivity to PTH effects.
  • These improvements may elucidate mechanisms of osteoporosis in AGHD.

More Related Videos

Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy03:57

Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy

Published on: July 14, 2023

Procurement of Parathyroid Glands from Living Donor Pigs and Ex Vivo Identification08:07

Procurement of Parathyroid Glands from Living Donor Pigs and Ex Vivo Identification

Published on: August 1, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Hormones and Bone Tissue01:17

Hormones and Bone Tissue

The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis01:21

Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis

Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone mineralization, tooth health, heart rate regulation and strength of contraction, blood coagulation, the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and the regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The average calcium level in the blood is about 10 mg/dL. When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo or hypercalcemia.
Functions of Thyroid Hormones01:18

Functions of Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid hormone (TH) plays a pivotal role in the intricate orchestration of physiological processes, exerting profound effects on development, metabolism, and homeostasis throughout different life stages.
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin00:51

Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin

Calcitonin, a vital polypeptide hormone, regulates calcium levels within body fluids. It is released by the parafollicular cells, also known as C cells, situated in the follicular epithelium of the thyroid gland. Calcitonin responds to fluctuations in blood calcium levels and the influence of gastrointestinal hormones like gastrin and cholecystokinin.
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...
The Parathyroid Glands00:59

The Parathyroid Glands

The two pairs of parathyroid glands embedded within the posterior surface of the thyroid gland are restricted by a dense capsule around them. These glands comprise two distinct cell populations—parathyroid oxyphil and parathyroid principal cells- pivotal in calcium homeostasis.
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:23

Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...