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Both duration and degree of hypercalcemia influence the reduced parathyroid hormone response to hypocalcemia after hypercalcemia.

The stimulation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion by hypocalcemia is reduced when hypocalcemia is preceded by hypercalcemia. The present study investigates whether the duration and degree of hypercalcemia influence the reduced PTH response to hypocalcemia after hypercalcemia. In addition, the implication of the arachidonic acid (AA) signaling pathway in this effect is evaluated. The PTH response to hypocalcemia has been studied in a control group and in four groups of rabbits subjected to hypercalcemia for different periods of time (between 30 and 120 min) and at two levels of hypercalcemia (1 x 9 and 2 x 1 mM). AA levels have been measured in parathyroid glands from rabbits subjected to hyper- and hypocalcemia. When compared with controls, rabbits that had been hypercalcemic (2 x 1 mM) for 2 h showed a markedly attenuated PTH response to hypocalcemia (50% of normal PTHmax), rabbits that had been in hypercalcemia (2 x 1 mM) for 75 min had an intermediate PTH response to hypocalcemia (70% of normal PTHmax) and rabbits that had been subjected to either 30 min hypercalcemia of 2 x 1 mM or 120 min hypercalcemia of 1 x 9 mM had a normal PTH response to hypocalcemia. AA levels increased in hypercalcemia and decreased in hypocalcemia; however, no differences were observed at either calcium level in short-time (30 min) versus long-time (120 min) hypercalcemia. In conclusion, the attenuated PTH response to hypocalcemia after hypercalcemia is dependent on both the period of time that the parathyroid glands have been exposed to hypercalcemia and the degree of hypercalcemia. In addition, this reduced PTH response does not seem to be related to changes in the AA signaling pathway.

Animals↗

Changes in T wave morphology during hypercalcemia and its relation to the severity of hypercalcemia.

The effect of hypercalcemia on T wave morphology, polarity, and amplitude was studied in 14 patients with a primary diagnosis of malignant lymphoma (8 patients), adult T-cell leukemia (5 patients), and Hodgkin's disease (1 patient). Hypercalcemia was severe to extreme in 11 (14.9-22.8 mg/dl), moderate in 1 (13.4 mg/dl), and mild in 2 (11.8 and 12.2 mg/dl) patients. Ten of the 11 patients (91%) with severe hypercalcemia showed inverted, biphasic, and notched T waves, mainly in the chest leads. Notched T waves were observed in all 10 of these patients in anterior to lateral, mid to lateral, or lateral chest leads. Biphasic and/or inverted T waves in anterior or anterior to midchest leads were present in 4 of these 10 patients who had extreme hypercalcemia (greater than 16 mg/dl). Changes in T wave morphology were not observed in moderate or mild hypercalcemia. T wave amplitude showed significant inverse correlation with serum calcium (T mV vs Ca, r = -0.60, p less than 0.001; T/R ratio vs Ca, r = -0.68, p less than 0.001; n = 35). Decrease in T wave amplitude was marked in severe hypercalcemia (p less than 0.0001) and moderate hypercalcemia, but there was no change in mild hypercalcemia. Changes in T wave morphology, polarity, and amplitude either appeared with development of hypercalcemia or disappeared with normalization of serum calcium level. It was concluded that in addition to shortening the QT interval, severe to extreme hypercalcemia can cause development of inverted, biphasic, or notched T wave with a marked decrease in amplitude of T waves.

Adult↗

Parathyroid glands in familial benign hypercalcemia (familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia).

The histologic characteristics of the parathyroid glands in familial benign hypercalcemia (familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia) are disputed, some finding parathyroid hyperplasia and others finding no abnormalities. To further investigate this issue, the histologic appearance of 82 parathyroid glands from 47 control patients (surgical and autopsy) were compared with those of 28 glands from 23 patients with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia who had undergone surgery for suspected primary hyperparathyroidism. Median and mean weights of 23 parathyroid glands from 12 patients with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia were 50 mg and 60 mg, respectively, with a range from 5 to 181 mg. Eighty-three percent of individual glands were within extreme normal limits for weight (less than 75 mg). Percent parenchymal area in familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia was slightly but significantly less than control values (62 +/- 2 versus 71 +/- 2 percent, respectively; (p = 0.009). Conversely, percent fat was higher in familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia than control values (30 +/- 3 versus 21 +/- 2 percent, respectively; p = 0.015). Stromal area was 8 +/- 1 percent in each group. Although 15 to 20 percent of parathyroid glands in familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia exceeded normal size, most were indistinguishable from normal by size, weight, and microscopic appearance. The significantly reduced percent parenchyma in glands from patients with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia further suggests that the condition is not uniformly accompanied by typical parathyroid hyperplasia and should not be thought of as merely a variant of the latter.

Adenoma↗

[Mechanism of hypercalcemia associated with malignancy: interactions between induction of hypercalcemia and autonomous growth in VX2 cancer cells].

Hypercalcemia is one of well-recognized paraneoplastic syndromes and occurs occasionally in patients with oral cancers. Because bone is the richest source of calcium in the body, it has been proposed that humoral bone resorbing factors which are released by tumors are responsible for the pathogenesis of hypercalcemia. In the present study, partial purification and identification of bone resorbing humoral factors were carried out employing VX2 squamous cell carcinoma which has been known to induce hypercalcemia in rabbits. In addition, extra- and intra-cellular mechanisms which are operating to confer autonomous growth on VX2 cancer cells were also studied. VX2 carcinoma induced marked hypercalcemia not only in rabbits but also in nude mice in parallel with tumor enlargement. Administration of indomethacin (INDO), a prostaglandin (PG) synthesis inhibitor, before onset of the hypercalcemia prevented an elevation of serum calcium levels and growth of the tumor. INDO, however, failed to decrease serum calcium levels and tumor growth when administered after development of the hypercalcemia and tumor enlargement. These results indicate that not only PGs but other humoral factors are involved in the pathogenesis of the hypercalcemia seen in VX2 cancer-bearing animals. VX2 cancer cells in culture retained their cancerous phenotypic properties, synthesized PGE2, PGF2 alpha and 6-keto PGF1 alpha and secreted highly levels of PGE2, a powerful bone resorber, into the culture medium in a time- and cell density-dependent manner. The culture supernatants also contained a trypsin- and heat-sensitive bone risorbing factor (BRF) with a molecular weight of approximately 20kD. BRF was presumed to be similar to parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP) from its biological and biochemical behaviors. Both PGE2 and PTHrP promoted VX2 cell growth, thus suggesting that these two substances are autocrine growth factors for VX2 cells. Calcium stimulated VX2 cell growth and secretion of PGE2 and BRF (PTHrP) in a concentration-dependent fashion. Stimulation of VX2 cell proliferation by PGE2 and PTHrP was closely correlated with a transient elevation of intracellular free calcium ion ([Ca2+]i). [Ca2+]i elevated transiently in response to PGE2 and PTHrP was shown to be supplied by influx of extracellular free calcium ion ([Ca2+]e) through calcium channel present in plasma membrane. Involvement of protein kinase C in autocrine growth stimulation of VX2 cells by PGE2 and PTHrP was unclear. These results demonstrate that PGE2 and PTHrP secreted by VX2 cancer cells not only induce hypercalcemia but promote VX2 cell growth as autocrine growth factors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

[An elderly case suspected of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia subsequent to manifestation of hypercalcemia].

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) is a relatively rare disease showing autosomal dominant heredity. Despite hypercalcemia, it shows a low urinary calcium excretion rate, and calcium clearance-creatinine clearance ratio. Since the serum calcium level does not increase to more than 12 mg/dl, this disease is basically asymptomatic and is incidentally found on medical examinations in many cases. However, it sometimes presents dangerous hypercalcemia and requires treatment. In this disease, parathyroidectomy is not sufficiently effective to cure hypercalcemia. We encountered a female patient with advanced age who presented marked hypercalcemia. Several examinations suggested FHH. While we had difficulty in controlling the serum calcium level, periodic administration of alendronate sodium hydrate, a bone resorption inhibitor, was effective. In this patient, the serum calcium level was normal on the examination about a year and a half before the appearance of symptoms, and hypercalcemia manifested itself in her advanced age, which is different from the usual course of FHH. This case presumably suggests that the pathophysiology of FHH is varied.

Aged↗

Familial benign hypercalcemia (hypocalciuric hypercalcemia). Clinical and pathogenetic studies in 21 families.

Familial benign hypercalcemia (hypocalciuric hypercalcemia) was diagnosed in 125 members of 21 families. The syndrome was generally characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance of symptomless, nonprogressive hypercalcemia with normal serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone concentrations, parathyroid glands that had normal gross and histologic features, relatively low urinary excretion of calcium, and failure to achieve normocalcemia after subtotal parathyroidectomy. Affected persons had normal longevity and no discernible increase in other medical problems except gallstones. The parathyroid glands were not seen using high-resolution ultrasonography. Plasma calcitonin and calcitriol levels were normal or low. Skeletal mass was normal as assessed by photon absorptiometry of the radius and lumbar spine, and fractures were not more frequent. Familial benign hypercalcemia or hypocalciuric hypercalcemia is a distinctive heritable syndrome that should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of asymptomatic hypercalcemia.

Adolescent↗

[A rare cause of hypercalcemia: familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia].

BACKGROUND: Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia is a rare disease with autosomal dominant transmission. Its basic defect is unknown and it requires no treatment. CASE REPORT: A 4 month-old girl was admitted for unexplained crying. She was found to have hypercalcemia (2.8 mmol/l) and later values of blood calcium were 3, 3.1 and 3 mmol/l. The serum free ionic calcium level was also elevated. The serum concentrations of protein, phosphorus, magnesium and the alkaline phosphatase activity were all normal. Serum concentrations of 25-(OH)-D3, 1.25-(OH)-2-D3 and PTH were also normal. The urinary calcium/creatinine ratio was normal and the urinary calcium excretion was 1.08 mg/kg/d. Screening of family members showed hypercalcemia in the father (2.8 mmol/l) and a brother aged 7 years (2.9 mmol/l). Short-term treatment with disodium etidronate lowered the serum calcium level to normal, but hypercalcemia reappeared once the treatment was discontinued. CONCLUSIONS: This asymptomatic familial hypercalcemia has the characteristics of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia. There was no associated endocrine disorder. Screening of family members is worthwhile.

Calcium↗

Marked hypercalcemia in a patient with hypocalciuric hypercalcemia without a mutation in the calcium-sensing receptor gene.

A 60-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with marked hypercalcemia. He had no symptoms that might be caused by hypercalcemia. Plasma concentrations of calcium and intact parathyroid hormone were 15.2 mg/dl and 103 pg/ml, respectively. Radiological examinations revealed no abnormal findings. His calcium-creatinine clearance ratio was calculated to be 0.004, thus he was diagnosed as having hypocalciuric hypercalcemia. Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia was a plausible diagnosis, however, gene analysis of his calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) revealed no mutation. The patient was thought to be a case of hypocalciuric hypercalcemia without mutation in the CaSR gene.

Calcium↗

Osteoprotegerin prevents and reverses hypercalcemia in a murine model of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy.

Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a novel, secreted tumor necrosis factor receptor family member that inhibits osteoclast formation and activity was examined for its activity in a syngeneic tumor model of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy. Normal mice bearing Colon-26 tumors develop increases in both parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) expression and plasma PTHrP, marked hypercalcemia, and increased bone resorption. OPG, given either at the onset of hypercalcemia or after it had occurred, blocked tumor-induced increases in bone resorption and hypercalcemia and rapidly normalized blood ionized calcium. In tumor-bearing mice, OPG treatments reduced osteoclast activity from approximately 2-fold above normal into the subphysiological range but had no effects on tumor size, tumor-induced cachexia, or PTHrP levels. The potent effects of OPG in this humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy model suggest a potential therapeutic role for OPG in the prevention and treatment of this disorder.

Animals↗

Therapeutic efficacy of a soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB-IgG Fc fusion protein in suppressing bone resorption and hypercalcemia in a model of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy.

Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB (RANK) is a membrane-bound tumor necrosis factor receptor homologue that mediates signals obligatory for osteoclastogenesis as well as osteoclast activation and survival in vivo. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of a soluble murine RANK-human immunoglobulin fusion protein (muRANK.Fc) as a bone resorption inhibitor in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro studies demonstrated the ability of muRANK.Fc to inhibit human parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP)-induced resorption in fetal rat long bone cultures. Short-term administration of muRANK.Fc to normal growing mice resulted in a complete disappearance of osteoclasts from metaphyses of long bones associated with a pronounced increase in calcified trabeculae and bone radiodensity. In a model of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy in which PTHrP secreted by s.c. xenografts of human lung cancer in nude mice induces extensive osteolysis and severe hypercalcemia, daily administration of muRANK.Fc from time of tumor implantation profoundly inhibited osteoclastic bone resorption and prevented hypercalcemia. muRANK.Fc had no effect on tumor production of PTHrP, because there was no significant difference between circulating human PTHrP levels in muRANK.Fc-treated and vehicle-treated tumor-bearing mice. Moreover, even when treatment was initiated after hypercalcemia was established, muRANK.Fc significantly attenuated further increases in blood ionized calcium. These data demonstrate the potent antiresorptive effects of muRANK.Fc in vivo as well as highlight the potential utility of disrupting RANK signaling as a novel therapeutic approach in humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy and possibly multiple myeloma and skeletal metastases associated with osteolysis.

Animals↗

Hypercalcemia and neoplasia. Biologic, biochemical, and ultrastructural studies of a hypercalcemia-producing Leydig cell tumor of the rat.

A localized, transplantable testicular tumor of the Fischer rat regularly produces hypercalcemia and increased phosphorus clearance in host animals. Light and electron microscopic examinations of the tumor indicate that it is of Leydig origin. There is no evidence that the tumor secretes any biologically active sex steroids, judges by weights of target tissues, when the tumor is grown in castrated or spayed rats. No radioactive steroid hormone formation in vitro was detected using 1-14C-acetate as a precursor although 14C was incorporated into the "C27" sterol fraction. Mass (micrograms) amounts of sex steroids were not detected after purifying large amounts of tumor extracts. The phytosterols, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, were tentatively identified in tumor extracts but were also found in other tissues and in tumors not associated with hypercalcemia. Administered in vivo, human chorionic gonadotropin caused an acute rise in serum calcium in 3 to 5 hours in tumor-bearing hypercalcemic rats. Only trophic hormones with luteinizing hormone activity were found to compete with 125I-human chorionic gonadotropin for binding to the tumor homogenate in vitro indicating the tumor possessed luteinizing hormone receptors. When the tumor was transplanted intrasplenically, hypercalcemia did not occur unless adhesions formed, suggesting that the tumor hormone was rapidly metabolized by the liver and was probably of small molecular weight. Secretory granules, usually thought to be associated with peptide hormone secretion, were not detected at the ultrastructure level. Cortisol, conjugated estrogen, and an inhibitor of sterol biosynthesis (AY-9944) were effective in lowering the elevated serum calcium. Definitive identification of the agent causing lethal hypercalcemia has not been accomplished. The available data suggest it is not parathyroid hormone or vitamin D. The Leydig cell origin of the tumor, its response to human chorionic gonadotropin in vivo, the lack of secretory granules at the ultrastructural level, and biologic characteristics, all lead to the speculation that the secretory product of the tumor is a new hormonal substance, possibly a steroid precursor or related substance not previously described or is a known substance of small molecular weight whose calcium-mobilizing properties have not been fully characterized. This transplantable tumor may represent a model for one form of neoplastic hypercalcemia occurring in man and may have important implications in the general area of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis.

Animals↗

Contrasting mechanisms of hypercalcemia in patients with early and advanced humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy.

The mechanisms of hypercalcemia were assessed in 15 patients with humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy (HHM) who had tumors at various stages of progression. In patients with early tumors, bone biopsies were generally normal and the hypercalcemia was due to an elevation in renal tubular resorption of calcium. Conversely, osteoclastic resorption was markedly increased in patients with advanced tumors, particularly those in whom the biopsies were obtained postmortem. Osteoclast surface (Oc.S) correlated positively with the stage of tumor progression (r = 0.80, p less than 0.002), degree of immobility (r = 0.87, p less than 0.002), and level of urinary cyclic AMP excretion (r = 0.60, p less than 0.02). When compared with a group of ambulant patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT), osteoblast surface (Ob.S%) in HHM was depressed (median and range): 1.2% (0-11.6%) versus 5.3% (1.1-32.0%) (p less than 0.001). However, a relatively low Ob.S (4%) and raised Oc.S (43.5%) were also seen in an immobilized patient with severe HPT. These data suggest that the PTH-related peptides currently invoked in the pathogenesis of HHM may initially cause hypercalcemia by enhancing renal tubular calcium resorption. The increase in osteoclastic activity and depression of osteoblastic activity that subsequently occurs is probably due to the combined effects of immobilization and higher circulating levels of PTHrP on the skeleton. However, the release of other bone-resorbing factors by the tumor, which have a depressant effect on osteoblastic activity, remains possible.

Adult↗

High-resolution parathyroid ultrasonography in familial benign hypercalcemia (familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia).

Familial benign hypercalcemia, or familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH), is frequently confused with primary hyperparathyroidism, but the consistent failure of subtotal parathyroidectomy to normalize serum calcium levels in FHH makes accurate distinction from familial hyperparathyroidism imperative. Because ultrasonography frequently demonstrates enlargement of the parathyroid glands in hyperparathyroidism, we examined 14 hypercalcemic adults (who had not undergone operation) from seven kindreds with FHH by using a high-resolution real-time scanner. We compared our results with those from 156 patients (who had undergone scanning preoperatively) with surgically confirmed hyperparathyroidism. Enlargement of the parathyroid glands was detected ultrasonographically in 137 of 156 (88%) of the total group of patients with hyperparathyroidism and in 17 of 24 patients (71%) with hyperparathyroidism who had hypercalcemia (serum calcium, 10.6 to 11.0 mg/dl) comparable to that of the FHH group (mean value, 10.7 mg/dl). In contrast, the single possible parathyroid lesion seen in the FHH group was substantially smaller (4 mm) than the smallest (7 mm, 75 mg) abnormal gland reliably detected by ultrasonography in the group with hyperparathyroidism and was conceivably normal in size. Patients with FHH have a dramatic absence of ultrasonographic parathyroid enlargement. High-resolution parathyroid ultrasonography may be of ancillary diagnostic benefit in patients with familial hypercalcemia.

Adult↗

Parathyroidectomy in familial hypercalcemia with clinical characteristics of primary hyperparathyroidism and familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia.

BACKGROUND: Familial primary hyperparathyroidism is associated with tumor-susceptibility syndromes, which are unrelated to mutations in the calcium receptor gene. This study describes parathyroidectomy in a kindred with hypercalcemia due to a heterozygous point mutation in the calcium receptor gene. METHODS: Seventeen family members were studied, and postoperative follow-up averaged 5.1 years. RESULTS: Radical parathyroid resection with total parathyroid remnants of 10 to 20 mg or total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation normalized the serum calcium and parathyroid hormone values in 12 family members. Persistent hypercalcemia was noted in 3 of 5 patients subjected to less radical procedures. Diffuse to nodular hyperplasia and microscopic findings, interpreted incorrectly as a single adenoma, were found. Weight of the parathyroid tissue increased with the age of the patients (P <.05), and almost one third of them (29%) had 1 to 3 atypically located glands. There were no patients with recurrent hypercalcemia during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The heterozygous inactivating mutation of the calcium receptor gene of this family is accompanied by mild increases in parathyroid gland x weight and diffuse parathyroid hyperplasia with possibly secondary genetic events causing nodule formation. Radical parathyroid resection is advocated in this hypercalcemic disorder, which may represent an intermediary stage between primary hyperparathyroidism and familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia.

Adult↗

Gut-mediated hypercalcemia in rabbits bearing VX2 carcinoma: new mechanism for tumor-induced hypercalcemia.

The VX2 carcinoma-bearing rabbit is an animal model for tumor-induced hypercalcemia, thought to be due to increased bone destruction effected by prostaglandin E2. The present experiments suggest that the pathophysiology of the hypercalcemia differs from that previously proposed. Tumor was transplanted intramuscularly into 2.5- to 3-kg male New Zealand White rabbits, which were conditioned to a 1.5% calcium diet and treated with daily subcutaneous injections of dichloromethane diphosphonate (10 mg . kg-1 . day-1), a potent inhibitor of bone resorption, or 0.9% NaCl (2 ml . kg-1 . day -1). The diphosphonate had no significant effect on plasma Ca2+ in either group. After day 31, half the animals of each group were fed a calcium-free diet. This normalized the plasma Ca2+ in each VX2-bearing rabbit within 3 to 4 days but had little effect in control rabbits. In a second series of experiments, VX2-bearing rabbits maintained on standard rabbit chow were treated for 11 days with parenteral indomethacin (30--60 mg/day) or 0.9% NaCl. Although indomethacin normalized the markedly elevated urinary excretion of prostaglandin E2, both treatment groups became severely hypercalcemic. Dietary calcium restriction promptly restored to normal the plasma Ca2+ concentration. In a third series of experiments, rabbits were fed standard rabbit chow and treated with oral indomethacin (40 mg/day) while control-rabbits were pair fed in identical chow. Transplantation of VX2 tumor into both groups caused hypercalcemia. We conclude that the hypercalcemia produced by this tumor strain is indomethacin resistant and dependent on an increase in gastrointestinal calcium absorption, not on skeletal calcium mobilization.

Animals↗

Infantile hypercalcemia with subcutaneous fat necrosis. Report of a case with studies on the pathogenesis of hypercalcemia.

A case of hypercalcemia in neonatal subcutaneous fat necrosis, which was successfully treated with a low Ca and vitamin D-free formula, is described. Low 1,25(OH)2D and severe calciuria, which were considered to result from hypercalcemia itself as well as parathyroid suppression, were noted during the hypercalcemic phase. The oral Ca load test was repeatedly normal, suggesting that intestinal hyperabsorption of Ca was not a cause of the hypercalcemia. Later recurrence of calciuria without hypercalcemia was noted concomitant with softening of indurated calcified necrotic tissue. In this patient, cerebral infarction on the left side was detected by CT scanning.

Cerebral Infarction↗

Pancreatic islet cell carcinoma with hypercalcemia. Primary hyperparathyroidism or humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy.

A 60-year-old woman presented with hypercalcemia and was found to have metastatic pancreatic islet cell carcinoma. Although clinical features were very suggestive of hyperparathyroidism, her parathyroid hormone levels were not elevated and no abnormal parathyroid tissue was detected by thallium-technetium or computed tomographic scanning techniques. Her hypercalcemia appeared to be due to a humoral factor--distinct from parathyroid hormone--that mimics the action of parathyroid hormone almost exactly. The various tools that may be used to differentiate primary hyperparathyroidism from the humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy are reviewed.

Adenoma, Islet Cell↗

Hypercalcemia in association with a Leydig cell tumor in the rat: a model for tumor-induced hypercalcemia in man.

The etiology of tumor-induced hypercalcemia was investigated in a transplantable Leydig cell tumor of the Fischer rat. In this model, serum calcium rose from a baseline of 10.4 +/0 0.3 mg/dl to 12.5 + 0.4 mg/dl at day 10 and 16.4 +/- 1.3 mg/dl (p less than 0.001) at day 13 post transplant. Urinary calcium also increased from 1.52 +/- 0.17 mg/d to 3.52 + 0.72 mg/d (Day 12, p less than 0.01). Serum phosphate decreased from a baseline of 7.5 +/- 0.3 mg/dl to 5.5 +/- 0.6 mg/dl at day 13 (p less than 0.05). At day 13 serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone levels fell 76% from baseline (p less than 0.01). Calcitonin increased from 59 +/- 2 pg/ml to 88 +/- 9 pg/ml (p less than 0.02). The plasma prostaglandin E metabolite, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGE2 increased from 407 +/- 103 pg/ml to 647 +/-62 pg/ml (p less than 0.05) and the active Vit D compound 1,25(OH)2D increased from 94.8 +/- 5.2 pg/ml to 162.3 +/- 11.8 pg/ml (p less than 0.01). Urinary cyclic AMP did not decrease in parallel with the parathyroid hormone level and, in fact, increased from 146 +/- 3 nmol/d to 172 +/- 27 nmol/d (NS). Administration of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (20 mg/Kg/d) or hydrocortisone (50 mg/Kg/d) did not prevent the development of hypercalcemia. This model is similar to many patients with humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy who demonstrate suppression of parathyroid hormone with elevated urinary cyclic AMP excretion and may prove useful in the understanding of the responsible mechanisms.

Animals↗