Role of phosphate in experimental uraemia.

Serum, corpuscular and renal tissue phosphate (Pi) concentrations in normal and chronic renal failure rats were examined. A significant correlation was found between Pi levels and indications of renal function. In addition, there were significant relationships between phosphate levels and RBC, Hb, Hct, serum Fe, serum Al, serum Si concentrations, as well as between Pi levels, Ca levels and calcium phosphate products. These results show that Pi may be used as an indicator of renal function in uraemia, anaemia and renal calcification in uraemic state. Studies in humans to confirm these relationships would be appropriate.