Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Calcitonin
Calcitonin is a a 32 amino acid polypeptide hormone that is produced in humans primarily by the C cells of the thyroid.
The hormone participates in calcium and phosphorus metabolism and it was found in fish, reptiles, birds and mammals.
Specifically, calcitonin reduces blood calcium levels in three ways:
- decreasing calcium absorption by the intestines
- decreasing osteoclast activity in bones
- decreasing calcium reabsorption by the kidney tubules
Salmon calcitonin is used for the treatment of:
- postmenopausal osteoporosis
- hypercalcaemia
- Paget's disease
- bone metastases
10-26-2009 08:16:03
The contents of this article is licensed from www.wikipedia.org under the GNU Free Documentation License. Click here to see the transparent copy and copyright details
The contents of this article is licensed from www.wikipedia.org under the GNU Free Documentation License. Click here to see the transparent copy and copyright details