Effects
The hormone participates in calcium (Ca2+) and phosphorus metabolism. In many ways, calcitonin counteracts parathyroid hormone (PTH).
More specifically, calcitonin lowers blood Ca2+ levels in three ways:
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- Inhibits Ca2+ absorption by the intestines
- Inhibits osteoclast activity in bones
- Inhibits renal tubular cell reabsorption of Ca2+ allowing it to be secreted in the urine
However, effects of calcitonin that mirror those of PTH include the following:
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- Inhibits phosphate reabsorption by the kidney tubules
In its skeleton-preserving actions, calcitonin protects against calcium loss from skeleton during periods of calcium mobilization, such as pregnancy and, especially, lactation.
Other effects are in preventing postprandial hypercalcemia resulting from absorption of Ca2+. Also, calcitonin inhibits food intake in rats and monkeys, and may have CNS action involving the regulation of feeding and appetite.
Read more about this topic: Calcitonin
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