Related Experiment Videos

Red blood cell calcium level in chronic renal failure: effect of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

U Gafter1, T Malachi, H Barak

  • 1Department of Nephrology, Hasharon Hospital, Petah-Tiqva, Israel.

Insights

Red blood cell calcium is elevated in chronic renal failure (CRF) due to impaired calcium extrusion and increased influx. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) does not significantly correct these red blood cell calcium abnormalities in CRF patients.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cellular Physiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Chronic renal failure (CRF) is associated with altered mineral metabolism.
  • Red blood cell (RBC) calcium homeostasis may be disturbed in CRF.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate RBC calcium levels, influx, and extrusion in CRF patients.
  • To evaluate the impact of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) on these parameters.
  • To explore the relationship between RBC calcium and Ca-stimulated, Mg-dependent adenosine triphosphatase (CaATPase) activity.

Main Methods:

  • Measurement of RBC calcium content.
  • Assessment of calcium-45 influx.
  • Determination of CaATPase activity (basal and calmodulin-stimulated).
  • Comparison between CRF patients, CAPD patients, and healthy controls.

Main Results:

  • RBC calcium levels were significantly elevated in CRF and CAPD patients compared to controls.
  • CaATPase activity, indicative of calcium extrusion, was suppressed in CRF and CAPD patients.
  • Calcium influx into RBCs was increased in both CRF and CAPD groups.
  • A strong inverse correlation was observed between RBC calcium and CaATPase activity in CRF patients.
  • Elevated plasma vanadium levels were noted in hemodialysis and CAPD patients.

Conclusions:

  • CRF leads to elevated RBC calcium primarily due to reduced calcium extrusion and increased influx.
  • CAPD treatment does not effectively normalize these RBC calcium handling abnormalities.
  • RBC calcium dysregulation is a significant feature of CRF, potentially exacerbated by dialysis treatments.

Related Concept Videos