Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

10:24
Cytosolic Calcium Measurements in Renal Epithelial Cells by Flow Cytometry
Published on: October 28, 2014
[Impaired calcium homeostasis, clinical impact]
1Medizinische Universitätskinderklinik Bern. marco.janner@bluewin.ch
Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique
|August 10, 2007
Summary
Calcium homeostasis abnormalities are rare in childhood but present with diverse symptoms, necessitating consideration in differential diagnoses. This review covers calcium regulation and when to measure plasma calcium levels.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
- Mineral Metabolism
Context:
- Calcium homeostasis is crucial for health, involving complex interactions between the skeleton, gut, and kidneys.
- Abnormalities in calcium regulation can manifest with varied and sometimes subtle clinical signs in children.
- Despite rarity, calcium imbalances must be considered in pediatric differential diagnoses.
Purpose:
- To review the physiological factors regulating calcium homeostasis and bone formation.
- To outline clinical scenarios warranting plasma calcium level measurement in pediatric practice.
Summary:
- This review details the physiological mechanisms controlling calcium balance and bone health.
- It emphasizes the heterogeneous and changing clinical presentations of calcium homeostasis disorders in children.
- Guidance is provided on when to assess plasma calcium levels in pediatric patients.
Impact:
- Enhances understanding of pediatric calcium regulation.
- Aids clinicians in diagnosing and managing calcium-related disorders in children.
- Improves recognition of calcium homeostasis abnormalities in pediatric differential diagnoses.
Related Concept Videos
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.
Bone Disorders
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
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...
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...
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 exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...
Bone Remodeling
Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.
