Peripheral nerve function in acute and chronic uremia

ABSTRACT

Several lines of evidence indicate that abnormalities in the central and peripheral nervous system develop in uremia. Elevated parathyroid hormone in blood is a common feature of uremia. This study aims to throw light on the relation between uremia, parathyroid hormone [PTH] and motor nerve conduction velocity [MNCV]. Thirty albino rats Wistar strain were used in three groups, ten for each sham operated, acutely uremic and chronically uremic. Blood urea nitrogen [BUN], blood creatinine, blood calcium [Ca[++]] and phosphorus [PO[4]], Plasma immuno reactive PTH and MNCV were measured. The results showed, in uremic animals a significant increase in PTH level [P < 0.01] and phosphorus level [P < 0.001] while plasma Ca[++] showed insignificant increase. At the same time MNCV showed a significant reduction, compared with the sham operated animals. The study suggests that, the excess PTH plays a role in the etiology of peripheral neuropathy in uremia. PTH most probably increases the Ca[++] content of the peripheral nerves and may induce both structural and functional changes in the nerves