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Tissue calcium in uraemia
M Krog1, S Ejerblad, H Johansson
1Department of Surgery, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Insights
This study shows that 1.25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1.25-DHCC) increases calcium in the aorta and kidney of rats with renal failure. This suggests 1.25-DHCC may contribute to tissue calcification in kidney disease.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Renal failure is associated with altered mineral metabolism.
- The role of vitamin D metabolites in uremic vascular calcification requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of 1.25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1.25-DHCC) and Verapamil on calcium content in the aorta, heart, and kidney of rats with moderate renal failure.
Main Methods:
- Rats with moderate renal failure were treated with 1.25-DHCC (100 ng/kg/day) and/or Verapamil (20 mg/kg/day).
- Calcium content in the thoracic aorta, heart, and kidney was measured.
- Serum calcium x phosphate product was monitored.
Main Results:
- Uremic rats showed increased aortic calcium content, further elevated by 1.25-DHCC.
- Kidney calcium content increased significantly after 1.25-DHCC treatment, independent of the calcium x phosphate product.
- No significant changes in heart calcium content were observed.
- Verapamil did not alter the effects of 1.25-DHCC.
Conclusions:
- 1.25-DHCC administration alone can increase aortic and kidney calcium content in rats with moderate uremia.
- This effect may predispose tissues to calcification in the context of renal failure.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and clinical implications of 1.25-DHCC-induced calcification.
Abstract:
The content of calcium in the thoracic aorta, the heart and the kidney was determined in rats with moderate renal failure treated with 1.25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1.25-DHCC) 100 ng/kg/day and Verapamil 20 mg/kg/day. In the aorta the content of calcium was significantly increased in uraemic rats and this increase was significantly augmented after administration of 1.25-DHCC. In the kidney no increase in calcium was seen in rats with uraemia, but treatment with 1.25-DHCC increased the calcium content significantly. This increase was not correlated to the serum calcium x phosphate product, which was almost normal. In the heart no changes in the content of calcium were observed. Verapamil did not influence the effect of 1.25-DHCC. It is concluded that administration of 1.25-DHCC per se may increase the content of calcium in the aorta and kidney in rats with moderate uraemia and possibly in this way sensitize the tissue to the development of tissue calcification.