Calcitonin helps to
regulate the levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood.
It decreases
the amount of calcium in the blood by inhibiting the action of osteoclasts
(cells that break down the bone matrix). Hence, calcitonin promotes
the movement of calcium ions Ca(2+)
into the bone matrix, simultaneously decreasing the quantity of calcium
ions Ca(2+) in the
blood.
Calcitonin may be given by injection as part of
the treatment of hypercalcaemia and Paget's disease (a bone
disease).
For further general/summary information (excellent for revision
!) visit the page about
Endocrine
Glands of the Human Body. |
