Calcitonin
Calcitonin, also known as thyrocalcitonin, is a hormone found in the human body. It is secreted by the C cells of the thyroid. Calcitonin is classified as a peptide hormone.
Secretion and Production
Calcitonin is produced in and secreted from the C cells of the thyroid gland. Calcitonin secretion has many effects on the human body. It participates in calcium and phosphorous metabolism. When the calcium level in blood rises above its normal level, calcitonin lowers it. Additionally, it decreases calcium absorption by the intestines, decreases osteoclast activity in the bones, and decreases calcium and phosphate reabsorption by the kidneys. All of these effects cause bone mineral metabolism and mineralization of skeletal bone.
Other effects of calcitonin include Vitamin D regulation, and appetite and hunger regulation. However, the studies that have shown that calcitonin acts in hunger and appetite regulation were performed in lower rats and monkeys rather than in humans.
Pharmacological Uses
Calcitonin was discovered in 1961, and it was first purified in 1962 by Copp and Cheney. As a drug, calcitonin is purified from salmon. It is commonly used for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, hypercalcaemia, Paget’s disease, and bone metastases.