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Calcitonin deficiency in primary hypothyroidism.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|April 1, 1986
Summary
Women with autoimmune primary hypothyroidism exhibit significantly lower calcitonin (CT) levels and impaired CT secretion reserve compared to healthy individuals. This suggests autoimmune thyroid disease can lead to calcitonin deficiency, impacting bone metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Thyroidology
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Assays for plasma calcitonin (CT) lack sensitivity and specificity, hindering the study of CT deficiency.
- Autoimmune thyroid disease is a common cause of hypothyroidism, but its effect on calcitonin secretion is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate calcitonin (CT) secretion reserve in women with autoimmune primary hypothyroidism compared to healthy women.
- To determine if the autoimmune process affects calcitonin production independently of thyroid hormone levels.
Main Methods:
- A novel, highly sensitive extraction method was used to measure plasma CT levels.
- Calcitronin (CT) levels were assessed before and after a calcium (Ca) stimulation test in hypothyroid and normal women.
Main Results:
- Women with autoimmune primary hypothyroidism had lower basal and post-calcium-stimulated CT levels than normal women.
- Calcitonin deficiency was observed in both hypothyroid and euthyroid patients with autoimmune thyroid disease, indicating a process independent of thyroid status.
- Patients with hypothyroidism of pituitary origin showed normal CT secretion, differentiating it from autoimmune hypothyroidism.
Conclusions:
- Autoimmune thyroid disease is associated with marked calcitonin (CT) deficiency.
- This study demonstrates spontaneous CT deficiency in adults, contributing to the understanding of CT physiology.
- Close monitoring of bone metabolism is recommended during the treatment of primary hypothyroidism due to potential CT deficiency.