Renal calcium and magnesium handling during pregnancy: modeling and analysis.

Pregnancy is associated with elevated demand of most nutrients, with many trace elements and minerals critical for the development of fetus. In particular, calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) are essential for cellular function, and their deficiency can lead to impaired fetal growth. A key contributor to the homeostasis of these ions is the kidney, which in a pregnant rat undergoes major changes in morphology, hemodynamics, and molecular structure.

How the kidney regulates magnesium: a modelling study.

The kidneys are crucial for maintaining Mg homeostasis. Along the proximal tubule and thick ascending limb, Mg is reabsorbed paracellularly, while along the distal convoluted tubule (DCT), Mg is reabsorbed transcellularly via transient receptor potential melastatin 6 (TRPM6). TRPM6 and other renal transporter expressions are regulated by sex hormones.

Coupling of renal sodium and calcium transport: a modeling analysis of transporter inhibition and sex differences.

Ca transport along the nephron occurs via specific transcellular and paracellular pathways and is coupled to the transport of other electrolytes. Notably, Na transport establishes an electrochemical gradient to drive Ca reabsorption. Hence, alterations in renal Na handling, under pathophysiological conditions or pharmacological manipulations, can have major effects on Ca transport.