Products | Calcitonin, Ultra-Sensitive RIA Test |
Company | Diagnostic Systems Laboratories, Inc. |
Item | Calcitonin, Ultra-Sensitive RIA Test |
Features | |
Description | Calcitonin is synthesized in the parafollicular C-cells of the thyroid gland and is packaged in secretory granules. The major action of calcitonin is to lower plasma calcium concentrations, by inhibiting osteoclast activity, resulting in decreased mobilization of calcium from bone [1]. This effect is most evident in conditions associated with high levels of bone remodeling (e.g. in Pagets disease) following exogenous administration of calcitonin. Exogenously administered calcitonin has also been shown to reduce pain associated with Pagets disease and malignancy, apparently by a direct effect on the central nervous system. Calcitonin secretion is stimulated by increased plasma calcium concentrations, and is also regulated by gastrointestinal peptides, estrogens and vitamin D. Gastric peptide stimulation of calcitonin secretion following a meal may play a role in maintaining postprandial calcium homeostasis. Abnormally elevated levels of calcitonin are characteristic of thyroid C-cell hyperplasia and medullary thyroid carcinoma [2,3]. Elevated serum calcitonin levels may also occur in a variety of other malignancies, possibly due to ectopic calcitonin production [4].
|
Info | Diagnostic Systems Laboratories, Inc. Customer Service: (800) 231-7970 Web site: http://www.dslabs.com |