THE ROLE OF THE PARATHYROID GLANDS IN THE ABSORPTION OF CALCIUM FROM THE SMALL INTESTINE

Abstract
SUMMARY: The absorption of calcium from duodenal and jejunal segments of the small intestine was studied in rats using an in-vivo loop technique. Previous parathyroidectomy decreased calcium absorption from both segments in rats fed a normal diet. Reduced calcium transport was greater in rats fed a calcium-deficient diet after parathyroidectomy. The slower clearance of radioactive calcium from the lumen of the intestine was not due to increased endogenous calcium excretion. Thyroidectomy, either alone or combined with parathyroidectomy, decreased calcium absorption but the effect of thyroidectomy alone requires further study. The decrease in calcium absorption after removal of the parathyroids was minimal or absent when the animals were fed a high calcium, low phosphorus, vitamin D-deficient diet or fasted 48 hr. before the experiment.

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