Normal Responsiveness of Serum Parathyroid Hormone to β-Adrenergic Blockade in Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

Summary

Infusion of calcium gluconate (15 mg Ca⁺⁺/kg body weight in 4 h) to 6 patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (due to mild renal insufficiency) decreased serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels to the same degree (on a percent basis) as in normal subjects. Serum PTH values at 4 h were 60 ± 4.5 (SEM) % of baseline in the patients and 59 ± 2.9% of baseline in the normal subjects. Infusion of propranolol (1 mg i.v. bolus followed by an infusion of 60 μg/min for 2 h) to 7 additional patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism also decreased serum PTH to the same degree as in normal subjects. Serum PTH values at 2 h were 68 ± 10.4% of baseline in the patients and 68 ± 3.3% of baseline in the normal subjects. The studies indicate normal responsiveness of serum PTH to calcium or β-adrenergic blockade in secondary hyperparathyroidism due to mild renal insufficiency.

Key-Words:

β-Adrenergic Blockade - Secondary Hyperparathyroidism - Renal Failure - Calcium Suppressibility - Parathyroid Hormone