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Bone histology and mineral homeostasis in human pregnancy
Author(s) -
PURDIE DAVID W.,
AARON JEAN E.,
SELBY PETER L.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
bjog: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.157
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1471-0528
pISSN - 1470-0328
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1988.tb06568.x
Subject(s) - pregnancy , calcium , bone resorption , calcium metabolism , resorption , homeostasis , endocrinology , gestation , fetus , medicine , bone mineral , osteoporosis , physiology , biology , genetics
Summary. Mineral homeostasis was studied biochemically and histologically in patients in early pregnancy and at term. In early pregnancy there was evidence of increased and reversible resorption of bone, whereas in late pregnancy bone demonstrated active formation and rapid mineralization with minimal resorption. Gut absorption of calcium was not increased in early pregnancy. The overall findings were consistent with calcium liberation from bone in early pregnancy, and with enhanced conservation of bone calcium at term. It is proposed that the additional calcium required during pregnancy is derived largely from the skeleton during early gestation and from dietary absorption at term.