We present to our readers the proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Phosphate. A short account of the history of the effort led to the Phosphate Workshops is appro priate and can be of interest to the reader. The idea for Phosphate Workshops was born in the early days of November, 1974. One of us (S. G. M. ) suggested the thought to a group of scientists gathered for a luncheon in one of the attrac tive small restaurants in Weisbaden, Germany. The purpose of the workshop was to bring together interested scientists to discuss the newer developments and the recent advances in the field of phosphate metabolism and the other related minerals. An Organizing Committee made of Shaul G. Massry (USA), Louis V. Avioli (USA), Philippe Bordier (France), Herbert Fleisch (Switzerland), and Eduardo Slatopolsky (USA) was formed. The First Workshop was held in Paris during June 5-6, 1975 and was hosted by Dr. Philippe Bordier. Its proceeding was already published. The Second Workshop took place in Heidelberg during June 28-30, 1976 and was hosted by Dr. Eberhard Ritz. Both of these workshops were extremely successful scientific endeavors, and the need for them was demonstrated by the great interest they generated among the scientific community. The Or ganizing Committee, therefore, decided to continue with the tradi tion to hold additional Workshops annually or every other year.

This contributed volume discusses the most important physiological aspects of phosphate metabolism, and how its pathological dysregulation can induce organ damage, which includes but is not limited to blood vessels, kidney, bone and tumor. The editor has selected a varied group of world renowned experts to provide a basic understanding of normal phosphate regulation, to then move on to explain the complex molecular mechanisms of abnormal phosphate regulation, also shedding some light on the downstream clinical consequences owing to phosphate toxicity. Each chapter clearly presents the biochemically important problems related to phosphate dysregulation with the necessary illustrations. Readers will be able to use the proposed book as a quick reference for updated information on phosphate metabolism, ranging from cellular system to physiology, from pathology to toxicity, also including the associated clinical consequences, without much prior acquaintance with the field.

We are pleased to present to our readers the Proceedings of the Sixth International Workshop on Phosphate and Other Minerals which was held in Verona, Italy, during June 24-26, 1983. It was hosted by Professor Giuseppe Maschio, Professor of Medicine and Chief, Department of Nephrology at the University of Verona. The Sixth Workshop maintained the tradition of the previous ones. It provided a unique and outstanding opportunity for close interaction between scientist involved in the research of the overall field of Mineral Metabolism. The current Workshop was attended by 250 scientists from 15 countries including Austria, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Germany,Holland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Spain, Sweden,Switzerland, and the United States of America. The topics discussed included the renal handling of phosphate, transport of other minerals, intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate and phosphate homeostasis in health and disease. Two symposia dealing with the recent developments of the interactions between minerals, parathyroid hormone, and blood pressure and between minerals and myopathies were included. In addition to the 15 State-of-the-Art Lectures, there were 43 oral and 63 poster presentations selected from over 200 abstracts sub mitted to the Program Committee. The Seventh International Workshop on Phosphate and Other Minerals will be held during September, 1985, in Marseille, France. It will be hosted by Professor Michel almer, Chief of the Department of Nephrology at the University of Marseille. The theme of this coming Workshop will focus on the pathophysiology of phosphate homeostasis and the metabolism of other minerals.

When the kidney fails its intended mission to manage the body’s waste products, physicians must perform multi-level and simultaneous adjustments to replicate kidney function. The management of the body’s absorption, reabsorption, utilization and excretion of calcium and phosphate requires constant fine tuning. This book provides an overview of the state-of-the-art clinical and basic science aspects of abnormal calcium and phosphate metabolism and its management.

Calcium and Phosphorus Metabolism focuses on the metabolism of calcium and inorganic phosphorus and covers topics ranging from the mechanism of calcium and phosphorus absorption in the intestine to calcium and phosphorus balances and retention. The results of balance experiments on the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus are also presented. This book is comprised of 15 chapters and begins with an introduction to dietary sources of calcium and phosphorus, including water. The influence of vitamin D on the mechanism of calcium and phosphorus absorption in the intestine is then examined, along with calcium and phosphorus content of the body; recommended daily calcium and phosphorus requirements; calcium and phosphorus in the blood; and bone formation and resorption. The remaining chapters explore the chemical and organic composition of bone, together with theories of mineralization and the action of endocrine glands on bone as well as calcium and phosphorus metabolism. The final chapter is devoted to the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus in the teeth. This monograph will serve as a useful guide for biochemists and physiologists.

We are pleased to present to our readers the Proceedings of the Fifth International Workshop on Phosphate and Other Minerals which was held in New York City, New York, U.S.A during September 23-27,1981. It was hosted by Joseph M. Letteri, M.D., Professor of Medicine at the State University of New York at Stonybrook School of Medicine, and Chief, Division of Nephrology, Nassau County Medical Center. As in the previous Workshops, this meeting provided an oppor tunity for interested scientists from interrelated fields, including nephrology, endocrinology, physiology, biochemistry and nutrition, to get together and discuss the recent advances in the field of phosphate and mineral metabolism. There were 29 invited presenta tions by leading scientists and 40 oral and 90 poster presentations selected from over 250 abstracts submitted to the Organizing Committee. The Workshop was attended by 250 scientists from 14 countries including Austria, Australia, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Holland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Sweden, and the United States of America. The Sixth International Workshop on Phosphate and Other Minerals will be held during June 24-26, 1983 in Verona, Italy. It will be hosted by Professor Giuseppe Maschio, Director, Division of Nephrology, Istituti Ospitalieri, Verona, Italy. The theme of this coming Workshop will continue to focus on the pathophysiology of phosphate homeostasis and the metabolism of other minerals.