Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

07:13
Two Techniques to Create Hypoparathyroid Mice: Parathyroidectomy Using GFP Glands and Diphtheria-Toxin-Mediated Parathyroid Ablation
Published on: March 14, 2017
Neuromuscular disease in secondary hyperparathyroidism
Annals of Internal Medicine
|April 1, 1975
Summary
Osteomalacia patients experience treatable neuromuscular issues, primarily weakness and fatigue, similar to primary hyperparathyroidism. This neuropathic condition improves with osteomalacia treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Osteomalacia and secondary hyperparathyroidism can cause neuromuscular dysfunction.
- Patients often present with proximal muscle weakness, atrophy, and fatigability.
- Neurological symptoms can mimic those seen in primary hyperparathyroidism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate neuromuscular function in patients with osteomalacia or secondary hyperparathyroidism.
- To determine the nature of the neuromuscular disease in these patients.
- To assess the impact of treating osteomalacia on neuromuscular function.
Main Methods:
- Electromyography and muscle biopsy studies were performed on six patients.
- Bone biopsy was used to confirm osteomalacia.
- Immunoreactive parathyroid hormone levels were measured.
Main Results:
- All patients exhibited evidence of neuropathic muscle disease.
- Muscle biopsies showed no definitive myopathic features.
- Treatment of osteomalacia led to improved muscle strength.
Conclusions:
- Osteomalacia is associated with a treatable, neuropathic neuromuscular disease.
- The neuromuscular abnormalities resemble those found in primary hyperparathyroidism.
- Neuromuscular dysfunction in osteomalacia is primarily neuropathic, not myopathic.
Related Concept Videos
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...
The Parathyroid Glands
The two pairs of parathyroid glands embedded within the posterior surface of the thyroid gland are restricted by a dense capsule around them. These glands comprise two distinct cell populations—parathyroid oxyphil and parathyroid principal cells- pivotal in calcium homeostasis.
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology
Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...

