Calcium and Phosphorus Metabolism in Thyrotoxicosis

The object of the experiments described was to determine whether the decalcification occurring in the human skeleton in thyrotoxicosis can be attributed to thyroxine or to some other factor. A probable relationship between the thyroid gland and calcium and phosphorus metabolism has been suggested by many workers who have based their evidence on clinical grounds, the radiological study of bones, biochemical analyses on blood-serum, calcium and phosphorus balance experiments, and finally the post-mortem appearance of the skeleton. Evidence of Decalcification in Thyrotoxicosis Clinical evidence Von Jaksch & Rotky [1908–9] reported softening and bending of the bones in a girl of 20 suffering from hyperthyroidism, and Bernhardt [1927] observed a similar case. These authors suggested that the osteomalacia resulted from a decalcification of the skeleton, and this was attributed to thyrotoxicosis. X-ray appearance of bones Kummer [1917] appears to be among the first observers to draw attention to the occurrence of