Hormones Secreted By Parathyroid Gland

PARATHYROID GLAND

INTRODUCTION:

Parathyroid glands are four small glands of the endocrine system which regulate the calcium in our bodies. Parathyroid glands are located in the neck behind the thyroid where they continuously monitor and regulate blood calcium levels.

  

HORMONES SECRETED BY PARATHYROID GLAND

PARATHYROID HORMONE ( PTH ):

The parathyroids produce a hormone called parathyroid hormone ( PTH ). PTH raises the blood calcium level by breaking down the bone ( where most of the body’s calcium is stored ) and causing calcium release.

INTRODUCTION OF PTH:

Parathyroid glands are small endocrine glands in the neck of humans and other tetrapods. The parathyroid gland produces and secretes parathyroid hormone in response to allow blood calcium, which plays a key role in regulating the amount of calcium in the blood and within the bones.

STRUCTURE OF PARATHYROID HORMONE;

PTH is secreted primarily by the chief cells of the parathyroid glands. It is a polypeptide containing 84 amino acids, which is a prohormone. It has a molecular mass around 9500 Da. Its action is opposed by the hormone calcitonin.

PHYSIOLOGICAL ROLE OF PARATHYROID HORMONE

Parathyroid hormone regulates  serum calcium through its effects on bone, kidney and the intestine. In bone, PTH enhances the release of calcium from the large reservoir contained in the bones. Bone resorption is the normal destruction of bone by osteoclasts, which are indirectly stimulated by PTH.

DISORDERS OF PARATHYROID GLAND

·            Hypercalcemia: hypercalcemia means elevated blood level of calcium

·            Hypocalcemia: hypocalcemia means decreased blood level of calcium

·            Primary hyperparathyroidism

·            Secondary hyperparathyroidism

·            Tertiary hyperparathyroidism

·            Hypoparathyroidism

·            Pseudohypoparathyroidism

·            Parathyroid cancer

HYPERCALCEMIA

INTRODUCTION:

Hypercalcemia is a condition in which you have too high a concentration of calcium in your blood. Calcium is essential for the normal function of organs, cells, muscles, and nerves. It’s also important in blood clotting and bone health.

        However, too much of it can cause problems. Hypercalcemia makes it hard for the body to carry out its normal fuctions. Extremely high levels of calcium can be life- threatening.

CAUSES OF HYPERCALCEMIA:

·         Cancers, especially lung cancer and breast cancer

·         Immobilization over a long period of time

·         Kidney failure

·         Overactive thyroid ( hyperthyroidism ) or excessive thyroid hormone intake.

·         Use of certain medications such as the thiazide diuretics

·         Inherited kidney or metabolic conditions

SYMPTOMS OF HYPERCALCEMIA:

·            Loss of apetite

·            Nausea and vomiting

·            Constipation and abdominal pain

·            Increased thirst and frequent urination

·            Fatigue, weakness and muscle pain

·            Confusion, disorientation and difficulty thinking

·            Headaches

·            Depression

AFFECTED POPULATION BY HYPERCALCEMIA:

Hypercalcemia is relatively common. Primary hyperparathyroidism occurs in 1-7 per 1,000 people, and hypercalcemia occurs in about 2.7% of those with cancer.

HYPOPARATHYROIDISM

INTRODUCTION:

Hypoparathyroidism is an uncommon endocrine deficiency disease resulting from decreased function of the parathyroid glands, with underproduction of parathyroid hormone ( PTH ). Secondary hypoparathyroidism is a physiologic state in which PTH levels are low in response to a primary process that cause hypercalcemia.

CAUSES OF HYPOPARATHYROIDISM:

·         Injury to or removal of the parathyroid glands.

·         DiGeorge syndrome, which is a genetic disorder that affects development of certain body systems.

·         Genetics

·         Autoimmune disease

·         Cancer radiation treatments.

·         Low magnesium levels.

SYMPTOMS OF HYPOPARATHYROIDISM:

·         Muscle aches or cramps

·         Tingling, burning or numbness in the fingertips, toes and lips.

·         Muscle spasms, especially around the mouth.

·         Patchy hair loss

·         Dry skin

·         Fatigue

POPULATION AFFECTED BY HYPOPARATHYROIDISM:

There are approximately 70,000 people  withhypoparathyroidism in the United States. Hypoparathyroidism can affect individuals of any age.