Calcitonin human

Calcitonin Human is a hormone produced in the human body by the parafollicular cells (also known as C cells) of the thyroid gland. It is involved in the regulation of calcium and phosphate metabolism.

Function

Calcitonin human plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of calcium and phosphate in the body. It lowers the levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone resorption. This results in a decrease in the amount of calcium and phosphate released into the bloodstream.

Clinical Significance

Calcitonin human is used clinically in the treatment of hypercalcemia and osteoporosis. It is also used as a diagnostic tool in the detection of medullary thyroid cancer, as elevated levels of calcitonin can be indicative of this type of cancer.

Pharmacology

In pharmacological form, calcitonin human is available as an injection or nasal spray. It is used to treat conditions such as Paget's disease, postmenopausal osteoporosis, and hypercalcemia associated with cancer.

Side Effects

Potential side effects of calcitonin human include nausea, flushing, and allergic reactions. In rare cases, long-term use of calcitonin human can lead to an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

See Also

• Calcitonin
• Parafollicular cell
• Osteoclast
• Hypercalcemia
• Osteoporosis