[Suitable examination intervals for hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism treated with maxacalcitol].

Five patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism undergoing chronic hemodialysis, whose level of intact-PTH was less than 500 pg/mL, were treated with maxacalcitol for 16 weeks. The levels of serum intact-PTH, corrected calcium, phosphorous, ALP and BAP were measured every 2 weeks, and we investigated the suitable examination intervals to evaluate parathyroid function in these patients. Intact-PTH decreased significantly after 6 weeks, and thereafter corrected serum calcium level increased.

Divergent effects of unilateral and subtotal nephrectomy on insulin sensitivity in rats.

Objectives: Insulin resistance is associated with chronic renal failure, which may amplify its cardiovascular pathologic manifestations. We previously showed the presence of insulin resistance in mild renal insufficiency due to chronic glomerulonephritis. These observations may be explained by a decrease in insulin sensitivity due to renal dysfunction.

Quantitative trait loci mapping for intracellular calcium in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Background: Increased intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) in platelets is also proposed as an intermediate phenotype for hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Increased [Ca2+]i in platelets is hypothesized to contribute to atherothrombotic events. Platelet hyperactivity is frequently associated with cardiovascular disease.