What hormone releases Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)?

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From the Guidelines

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is not released by another hormone but is directly secreted by the parathyroid glands in response to low blood calcium levels. The parathyroid glands, which are four small endocrine glands located on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland, continuously monitor calcium levels in the blood through calcium-sensing receptors on their cell membranes 1. When calcium levels fall below normal, these glands are stimulated to increase PTH secretion. Conversely, when calcium levels rise, PTH secretion decreases. This direct feedback mechanism allows for tight regulation of calcium homeostasis in the body. PTH works by increasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys, stimulating calcium release from bone, and promoting vitamin D activation, which enhances calcium absorption from the intestines. Some key factors that influence PTH secretion include:

  • Hypocalcemia: Low blood calcium levels stimulate PTH secretion 1
  • Hyperphosphatemia: High blood phosphate levels can also increase PTH secretion 1
  • Vitamin D levels: Vitamin D deficiency can lead to increased PTH secretion 1 While other factors like magnesium levels and vitamin D can influence PTH secretion, no other hormone directly triggers its release. The regulation of PTH is crucial for maintaining calcium and phosphate homeostasis in the body, and abnormalities in PTH secretion can lead to various clinical conditions 1.

From the Research

Hormone Release of Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

The release of Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) is influenced by several factors, including:

  • Calcium levels in the blood 2, 3, 4
  • Vitamin D levels, specifically calcitriol 3, 5
  • Phosphorus levels in the blood 2, 3
  • The presence of certain receptors, such as the calcium receptor 4
  • Genetic factors, including the BsmI vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism 5

Regulation of PTH Release

The release of PTH is regulated by a negative feedback loop, where high calcium levels inhibit the release of PTH, and low calcium levels stimulate its release 2, 3, 4. Additionally, calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, also plays a role in regulating PTH release, with high levels of calcitriol inhibiting PTH release 3, 5.

Factors Influencing PTH Release

Several factors can influence the release of PTH, including:

  • Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) 2, 3, 4
  • Hyperphosphatemia (high phosphorus levels) 2, 3
  • Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency 3, 5
  • Genetic disorders, such as pseudohypoparathyroidism (Ps-HypoPT) 6
  • Chronic renal failure or kidney disease 4, 5

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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