Responses of parathyroid gland, C cells, and plasma calcium and inorganic phosphate levels in rat to sub-lethal heroin administration.

In order to record the effects of heroin on plasma calcium (Ca) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) levels as well as parathyroid gland and C cells, two sub-lethal doses (0.50 LD50 and 0.75 LD50) of the drug were administered intramuscularly in Rattus norvegicus for 30 days. Plasma Ca level of control rats ranged between 9.53 +/- 0.32 - 9.88 +/- 0.22 mg 100 ml(-1) while plasma Pi concentration fluctuated between 4.55 +/- 0.18 - 4.71 +/- 0.24 mg 100...