Related Experiment Videos
Human placental calcitonin receptors
G C Nicholson1, C S D'Santos, T Evans
1Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Repatriation General Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
The Biochemical Journal
|March 15, 1988
Summary
Calcitonin (CT) receptors were found in human placenta membranes, indicating CT may regulate placental function. This study characterized these specific CT receptors and their binding properties.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Calcitonin (CT) is a hormone known to regulate calcium levels.
- The presence and function of CT receptors in human placenta were previously unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize calcitonin (CT) receptors in human placental tissue.
- To investigate the potential role of CT in placental function.
Main Methods:
- Membrane fractions from human term placentae were prepared.
- Binding assays using 125I-labelled salmon CT (125I-sCT) were performed.
- Photoaffinity labeling was used to identify receptor components.
Main Results:
- Specific, high-affinity binding sites for 125I-sCT were identified in placental membranes.
- Binding was time-, temperature-dependent, saturable, and poorly reversible.
- Photoaffinity labeling revealed a receptor component of approximately 85,000 Mr.
Conclusions:
- Human placenta possesses specific calcitonin (CT) receptors.
- These findings support a potential regulatory role for CT in placental function.