What is a potential consequence of elevated parathyroid hormone levels?

Elevated levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) lead to hypercalcemia, which is an increase in the concentration of calcium in the blood. PTH is primarily responsible for regulating calcium levels in the body. When PTH levels rise, it stimulates several processes that increase calcium concentrations.

First, PTH promotes bone resorption, which is the process by which osteoclasts break down bone tissue and release calcium into the bloodstream. Additionally, PTH increases calcium reabsorption in the kidneys, which reduces the amount of calcium excreted in the urine. It also stimulates the conversion of vitamin D into its active form, thereby enhancing intestinal absorption of dietary calcium.

Thus, the consequence of elevated parathyroid hormone levels directly correlates with the resultant hypercalcemia, as the hormone plays a key role in mobilizing calcium from bone, retaining it in the kidneys, and enhancing its absorption in the intestines.