Rat Calcitonin ELISA Kit

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Calcitonin also known as thyrocalcitonin is a peptide hormone with a molecular mass of about 3.4 kDa. It consists of 32 amino acids and is primarily synthesized in parafollicular cells or C cells of the thyroid gland. This hormone regulates calcium and phosphate homeostasis in the body. It reduces blood calcium levels by inhibiting osteoclast activity in the bones and decreasing reabsorption in the kidneys leading to more calcium excretion. Calcitonin also interacts with its receptor a G protein-coupled receptor found in tissues like bone kidney and brain.

Biological function summary

This hormone plays a significant role in maintaining calcium levels by balancing the actions of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Calcitonin works independently but interacts with the broader system managing bone remodeling through an intricate network. The presence of calcitonin in specialized receptor complexes allows it to exert its effects efficiently in target tissues making it an important player in calcium and phosphorus metabolism.

Pathways

Calcitonin acts within the calcium signaling pathway and the bone resorption pathway. Through these pathways calcitonin works alongside other proteins such as parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) maintaining skeletal integrity. It modulates the activity of osteoclasts ensuring that bone resorption activities are counterbalanced by bone formation and influences intracellular calcium concentration by binding to its receptor on target cells.

Associated diseases and disorders

Calcitonin is linked to conditions such as osteoporosis and medullary thyroid carcinoma. Osteoporosis characterized by decreased bone density and increased fracture risk involves dysregulated calcium and phosphate balance. Proteins like estrogen and growth factors along with calcitonin influence bone health. Medullary thyroid carcinoma a type of thyroid cancer arising from C cells affects calcitonin levels with this hormone serving as a biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring treatment effectiveness. Calcitonin's connection with these diseases highlights its diagnostic and therapeutic potential.