Effects of parathyroid hormone on electrolyte transport in the hamster nephron

Recollection micropuncture and clearance studies were carried out on thyroparathyroidectomized hamsters to clarify the localization of the effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on renal electrolyte transport. The clearance data confirmed that PTH inhibits phosphate and enhances calcium and magnesium reabsorption. These effects appeared to result from actions of the hormone in several parts of the nephron. In the proximal tubule PTH did not affect H2O reabsorption but inhibited phosphate reabsorption ((TF/P)PO4 increased from 0.46 +/- 0.04 to 0.57 +/- 0.03, P less than 0.02) and appeared to enhance calcium and magnesium reabsorption ((TF/UF)Ca decreased from 1.41 +/- 0.07 to 1.25 +/- 0.06, P less than 0.001, and (TF/UF)Mg from 1.66 +/- 0.10 to 1.51 +/- 0.08, P less than 0.05; in control animals (TF/UF)Ca increased from 1.51 +/- 0.10 to 1.65 +/- 0.11, P less than 0.01). PTH further inhibited phosphate reabsorption and enhanced calcium and magnesium reabsorption between the late proximal and early distal sites of puncture. Comparison of fractional deliveries of calcium and magnesium from the late distal tubule with their fractional excretions suggests an additional effect beyond the distal puncture site. The phosphaturic, but not the calcium- and magnesium-retaining, effects of PTH were abolished by a 16-h fast.