[A study of aortic calcification uremia].

For the purpose of clarifying the relationship between aortic calcification and several factors associated with uremia, aortic calcification was estimated in autopsied uremic patients as well as in uremic rats treated in 1, 25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1, 25D). Aortic calcification was evaluated by radiographic, pathologic and chemical studies in 28 patients on long-term homodialysis and in 11 non-uremic autopsied subjects as controls. Chest or abdominal X-ray showed the presence of aortic calcification in 48% of the hemodialyzed patients and 9% of the control subjects. Von Kossa staining of the aorta revealed positive tissue calcification in 43% of the hemodialyzed patients and in 18% of the control subjects. Calcium content of the aorta was increased in the hemodialyzed patients compared with the control subjects. Findings of aortic calcification in the hemodialyzed patients were correlated with their age and serum Ca x P products. In uremic rats, administration of 1, 25D increased serum Ca x P products and the calcium content of the aorta. On the other hand, treatment with Ca antagonist or magnesium inhibited elevation of the calcium content of the aorta induced by 1, 25D in the uremic rats. These results suggest that serum Ca x P product is a factor promoting aortic calcification and that calcium antagonist and magnesium may protect from the progression of aortic calcification in uremia.