Phosphate Metabolism

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 appropriate 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 attractive 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 Organizing Committee, therefore, decided to continue with the tradition to hold additional Workshops annually or every other year. The Third Workshop on Phosphate and other Minerals will be held in Madrid during July 13-15, 1977 and will be hosted by Dr. Aurelio Rapado. The theme of the future Workshops will continue to focus on the pathophysiology of phosphate homeostasis and the metabolism of other minerals. As such, the Workshops are of interest to nephrologists, endocrinologists, metabolites, hormone researchers, bone scientists and all others who have interest in mineral metabolism. The enthusiasm and interest noticed during the previous Workshops generated the thought that the publication of a journal dealing with mineral and electrolyte metabolism is timely and needed. Plans have been made to publish such a journal with the title "Mineral and Electrolyte Metabolism," by S. Karger, Basel, Switzerland under the Editorship of Dr. Shaul G. Massry with Drs. Louis V. Avioli and Eberhard Ritz as Associate Editors. An Editorial Board of 40 distinguished scientists has been appointed and the first issue of the Journal will appear in January 1978.