Calcitonin inhibits heterotopic bone formation in rats

The effect of salmon calcitonin on heterotopic bone formation in rats was analysed. Thirty days after implantation of demineralized bone matrix, the weights of implants from animals receiving calcitonin were reduced, in contrast to the increase shown in the untreated control group. In the control group, the implants were visible on roentgenograms at the 20th day and histologic examination revealed new bone formation, whereas in the calcitonin-treated group the implants were never visible on roentgenograms throughout the study and only remnants of implants could be detected histologically. This study suggests that calcitonin inhibits heterotopic bone formation in rats.