Modulation by calcitonin of magnesium and calcium urinary excretion in the rat

We evaluated the effects of human calcitonin (hCT) on electrolyte excretion in hormone-deprived rats, that is, in the absence of endogenous parathyroid hormone, antidiuretic hormone, thyrocalcitonin and glucagon, the effects of which might have interfered with those of exogenous calcitonin. Plasma hCT levels, measured by radioimmunoassay, varied from 0 to 32 ng/ml. In these rats, hCT decreased magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) excretion in a dose-dependent fashion. Maximal decreases were observed for hCT plasma concentrations comprised between 3 and 5 ng/ml, and persisted at the highest doses. Sodium, potassium, water, and total solute excretions were constant in the calcitonin concentration range explored. The same was observed for phosphate, except that slight but significant phosphaturia was elicited by the highest doses. Calcium and phosphate infusions to attenuate the fall in plasma Ca and phosphate concentration subsequent to hCT infusion, did not alter the hormonal effect on Ca and Mg excretion. hCT can therefore directly modulate Mg and Ca reabsorption by the kidney at plasma concentrations within the physiological range. The maximal effects on Mg and Ca reabsorption were obtained at plasma concentrations which are generally reached after maximal stimulation of endogenous calcitonin secretion. It is suggested that in rats, endogenous secretion of calcitonin stimulates Ca and Mg renal reabsorption without modification of sodium and phosphate excretion.