Calcitonin
Definition:
Calcitonin is a hormone produced by both the thyroid gland and certain cells in the lungs and intestines. It plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphate levels in the body.
Functions
Calcium Regulation:
Calcitonin helps in lowering the levels of calcium in the blood by inhibiting its release from bones and reducing the absorption of dietary calcium in the intestines.
Phosphate Regulation:
In addition to calcium regulation, calcitonin also helps in decreasing phosphate reabsorption in the kidneys, thereby reducing phosphate levels in the blood.
Bone Health:
Calcitonin plays a role in maintaining bone health by inhibiting bone breakdown (resorption) and promoting the formation of new bone cells.
Medical Uses
Osteoporosis Treatment:
Calcitonin can be used as a treatment for osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones, to help increase bone density and reduce fracture risk.
Hypercalcemia:
Calcitonin may be administered to individuals with hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood) to help lower calcium levels.
Pain Relief:
As a nasal spray or injection, calcitonin can provide pain relief for individuals with bone-related pain, such as due to fractures or bone metastases.