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Calcium homeostasis.
1Division of Clinical Chemistry, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science, Adelaide, South Australia.
Clinical Biochemistry
|February 1, 1990
Summary
This study explains how the body regulates plasma calcium and bone health, focusing on kidney function and osteoporosis. It highlights increased calcium excretion in postmenopausal women due to higher bicarbonate and anion gap levels.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Plasma calcium concentration and bone homeostasis are critical physiological processes.
- Understanding these mechanisms is key to addressing bone diseases like osteoporosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the regulation of plasma calcium and bone homeostasis.
- To present components of plasma calcium and their derivation.
- To discuss factors regulating plasma calcium, emphasizing the kidney's role.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on calcium regulation and bone metabolism.
- Analysis of factors influencing plasma calcium concentration.
- Examination of skeletal maintenance mechanisms and their failure in osteoporosis.
Main Results:
- Identified the role of the kidney in regulating plasma calcium.
- Outlined skeletal maintenance mechanisms and their failure in osteoporosis pathogenesis.
- Linked increased urine calcium excretion in postmenopausal women to elevated plasma bicarbonate and anion gap.
Conclusions:
- Postmenopausal women exhibit increased complexed calcium fraction, leading to higher urine calcium excretion.
- This phenomenon impacts dietary calcium requirements in postmenopausal women.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the implications of altered calcium fractions.