Calcitonin

calcitonin /cal·ci·to·nin/ (-to´nin) a polypeptide hormone secreted by C cells of the thyroid gland, and sometimes of the thymus and parathyroids, which lowers calcium and phosphate concentration in plasma and inhibits bone resorption. Preparations (c.-human, c.-salmon) are used in the treatment of osteitis deformans, postmenopausal osteoporosis, and hypercalcemia.

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cal·ci·to·nin (kls-tnn)

n.

A peptide hormone, produced by the thyroid gland in humans, that acts to lower plasma calcium and phosphate levels without augmenting calcium accretion. Also called thyrocalcitonin.

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Calcitonin

A hormone produced by the parafollicular cells (C cells) of the thyroid. The main function of the hormone is to regulate calcium levels in body serum.

Mentioned in: Hypoparathyroidism, Osteoporosis, Paget's Disease of Bone, Thyroid Cancer

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calcitonin (kal·si·tōˑ·nin),

n hormone originating in the thyroid's parafollicular cells; plays a role in calcium blood level regulation and serves to stimulate bone mineralization.

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calcitonin (kal´sitō´nin),

n brand names: Calcitonin, Calcimar, Miacalcin;
drug class: synthetic polypeptide calcitonins;
action: inhibits bone resorption, reduces osteoclast function, reduces serum calcium levels in hypercalcemia;
uses: Paget's disease, postmenopausal osteoporosis, hypercalcemia.

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calcitonin

a polypeptide hormone secreted by the parafollicular or C cells of the thyroid gland, which is involved in plasma calcium homeostasis. It acts to decrease the rate of bone resorption. Called also thyrocalcitonin.

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calcitonin gene-related peptides

potent vasodilators widely distributed in periadventitial nerves of blood vessels, sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes, sensory neurons and the central nervous system generally.

calcitonin-secreting cells

parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland.