| [ Summary ] |
Intestinal absorption of phosphate is mediated by two mechanisms, passive diffusion according to the concentration gradient and active sodium-dependent absorption.
Two major stimulants of phosphate absorption, phosphate deprivation and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, enhance sodium-dependent phosphate absorption. However, the mechanisms for the stimulation of phosphate absorption by these factors may be different. Type IIb sodium-phosphate cotransporter has been cloned as a possible mediator of sodium-dependent intestinal absorption of phosphate. The physiological role of this transporter remains to be elucidated. |