Common Symptoms Of Gitelman Syndrome

Severe Muscle Cramps

Gitelman syndrome can cause an individual to experience severe muscle cramps. The process behind this symptom is associated with the magnesium deficiency that results from Gitelman syndrome. Reduced abundance of TRPM6 protein causes the kidneys to be unable to reabsorb magnesium, discarding it through the urine instead. Magnesium is critical for healthy neuromuscular function because it blocks calcium ions. Calcium ions in the muscles attach to proteins called myosin and troponin C. This mechanism alters the shape of these proteins, producing a muscle contraction.

When magnesium is present, it competes to attach to the same binding sites on troponin C and myosin to induce muscle relaxation. Magnesium decreases the output of a substance called acetylcholine from the endings of the nerves. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter responsible for initiating muscle contractions. A muscle cramp occurs when a muscle contracts too much, does not relax, and causes pain. Calcium is allowed to bind to the sites on multiple proteins, and acetylcholine goes unregulated in conditions of inadequate magnesium. The muscles become overstimulated and fail to relax appropriately, resulting in severe muscle cramps.

Uncover the details on a craving that could indicate an individual has Gitelman syndrome now.