Theme |
New frontiers of calcimimetics |
Title |
Gastrointestinal effects of calcimimetic compounds |
Author |
Takehisa Kawata |
Nephrology Research Labs., Nephrology R & D Unit, R & D Division, Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd |
[ Summary ] |
The calcium receptor (CaR) is expressed in various organs. However, the expression of the CaR in the parathyroid glands is extremely high compared to that in other organs. Therefore, the pharmacological effects of calcimimetic compounds primarily represent only their suppressive effects on parathyroid hormone (PTH) when they are administered at pharmacological levels. On the other hand, CaR is also expressed in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and it is supposed that CaR in the GI tract may be exposed by higher quantities of the drug after oral administration, which may cause GI events as the side effects. We summarize previous information concerning the relationship between calcimimetic compounds and GI events. |