[Studies on the endocrinological metabolism of the parathyroid. II. Influence of ACTH on parathyroid function and calcium metabolism].

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is strongly concerned with the pathogenesis of urinary stones. PTH is mainly regulated by the serum calcium concentration and not by other hormones, as is usually the case. We studied whether PTH is also regulated by adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) or not. ACTH (0.25 mg) was injected intravenously to 17 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism PHP, 7 patients with urolithiasis, 7 patients with malignant hypercalcemia, and 6 control subjects. Serum calcium was significantly increased in only PHP. The serum calcium increase rate showed a significant positive correlation with serum alkaline phosphatase, and a negative correlation with the preinjected serum calcium. PTH was slightly increased in all four groups. Serum cortisol and ACTH concentrations were not significantly different among the groups. PTH concentration in a culture medium of parathyroid tissues increased after ACTH addition. Serum calcium was significantly increased after ACTH injection in an adrenalectomized rat, and decreased in a parathyroidectomized rat. From our data and those of others, it appears that ACTH acts on the adrenal glands to decrease the serum calcium concentration, and might act directly on the parathyroid gland or bones to increase it.