title: Vitamin D receptors and parathyroid glands.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the function and metabolism of the vitamin D hormone and the role of the vitamin D receptor and the calcium-sensing receptor in the secretion of parathyroid hormone.
  
  
  METHODS
  A review of the literature was undertaken regarding the function and metabolism of vitamin D; the role of the vitamin D receptor and calcium-sensing receptor in the secretion of parathyroid hormone; and the contemporary research regarding the interaction of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone in patients with vitamin D deficiency, primary hyperparathyroidism, and secondary hyperparathyroidism.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over the last several years, great interest has been generated about the interaction of vitamin D and the parathyroid glands, gastrointestinal tract, kidney, and bone in relation to calcium and parathyroid hormone levels. Vitamin D has an important role in calcium and parathyroid hormone metabolism. Likewise, the vitamin D axis appears to be involved with the development of both primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism. The specific mechanism by which vitamin D interacts with the parathyroid gland to bring about observed effects is not yet fully understood.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Future studies investigating the relationship of the vitamin D receptor, calcium-sensing receptor, and parathyroid glands are needed to enhance our knowledge of vitamin D deficiency and primary and secondary vitamin D deficiency.
authors: Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
authors: Christine S
authors: CS
authors: Landry
authors: Mary D
authors: MD
authors: Ruppe
authors: Elizabeth G
authors: EG
authors: Grubbs
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010280:Parathyroid Glands / Q000378:metabolism*; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol / Q000378:metabolism*; D044169:Receptors, Calcium-Sensing / Q000378:metabolism; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol; D044169:Receptors, Calcium-Sensing