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Related Experiment Videos

Calcitonin, an enigmatic hormone: does it have a function?

P F Hirsch1, G E Lester, R V Talmage

  • 1Dental Research Center, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7455, USA. pfhirsch@med.unc.edu

Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal Interactions
|March 11, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Thyroidal calcitonin (TCT) likely has roles beyond calcium regulation, possibly in water balance or phosphate storage. Its exact physiological function in mammals remains unclear 38 years after discovery.

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Mammalian Physiology
  • Bone Biology

Background:

  • Calcitonin (CT) was discovered as a potential therapeutic agent, but early assumptions about its physiological roles in calcium regulation are now questioned.
  • Despite extensive research, the precise physiological significance of thyroidal calcitonin (TCT) in mammals remains a subject of debate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of thyroidal calcitonin (TCT) in mammalian physiology.
  • To explore alternative hypotheses regarding the physiological functions of TCT.
  • To discuss the potential roles of non-thyroidal calcitonin (NTCT).

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and critical analysis of existing research on TCT.
  • Discussion of proposed physiological roles for TCT.

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  • Consideration of recent findings on NTCT.

    • Main Results:

    • Evidence suggests TCT's role in calcium homeostasis and hypercalcemia prevention is unlikely.
    • Large doses of CT affect osteoclasts, but this may not be relevant to normal bone remodeling.
    • Three potential TCT functions are proposed: vestigial, involvement in water/ionic/acid-base balance, or postprandial phosphate storage.

    Conclusions:

    • The established role of TCT in calcium regulation is likely incorrect.
    • TCT may have unappreciated functions in fluid and electrolyte balance or phosphate metabolism.
    • Non-thyroidal calcitonin (NTCT) may exert local paracrine effects.