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Aluminum uptake by the parathyroid glands
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|October 1, 1979
Summary
Ingested aluminum accumulates in parathyroid glands, especially in hyperparathyroid individuals. Higher dietary aluminum intake correlates with increased parathyroid aluminum levels, suggesting a link to parathyroid toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Aluminum-containing medications are widely used for phosphate binding and as antacids.
- Limited understanding exists regarding the toxicity and tissue absorption of ingested aluminum.
- Parathyroid glands are a potential target for aluminum accumulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate aluminum concentrations in human and rat tissues.
- To determine if parathyroid glands accumulate more aluminum than other tissues.
- To explore the relationship between dietary aluminum intake and parathyroid aluminum levels.
Main Methods:
- Neutron activation analysis was employed to quantify aluminum.
- Tissues were analyzed from hyperparathyroid and normal human subjects.
- Tissues were also analyzed from laboratory rats.
Main Results:
- Parathyroid glands showed significantly higher aluminum concentrations per unit mass compared to thyroid and cervical muscle.
- A linear relationship was observed between aluminum concentration in parathyroids and dietary aluminum intake.
- These findings were consistent across both human and rat subjects.
Conclusions:
- Parathyroid glands are a primary site for aluminum accumulation from ingested sources.
- Dietary aluminum intake is a significant factor influencing aluminum levels in parathyroid tissue.
- Further research is warranted to understand the toxicological implications of aluminum accumulation in parathyroid glands.