Endocrine Abstracts

Vascular calcification, occurring in organs such as heart and kidneys, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. The underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. To elucidate these, we investigated C3H mice, an inbred strain susceptible to vascular, myocardial and renal calcification. Myocardial calcification in C3H mice involves 4 genetic loci, Dyscalc1-4, that map to chromosomes 7, 4, 12 and 14, respectively. Dyscalc1 contributes to myoc...

Calcium-containing renal stones, which affect 7% of adults, may be associated with endocrine and metabolic disorders that include primary hyperparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis, hypercalciuria and hyperoxaluria. In addition, ∼40% of patients with stones have a familial history, although the genetic defects remain to be elucidated. To facilitate this, we have established a mouse model for renal calcification, designated Rcalc1, and determined its chromosomal l...

Kidney stones, which affect 5% of adults, are most frequently associated with hypercalciuria or hypercalcaemia. Furthermore, kidney stones may occur in families in ∼40% of patients, thereby implicating the involvement of genetic mechanisms. To further elucidate these, we have established a mouse model for renal calcification, designated Rcalc2, and determined its chromosomal localisation. Mice were kept in accordance with UK Home Office welfare guidelines and proj...