ABSTRACT

Calcitonin (CT) is a 32-amino acid polypeptide hormone produced by C-cells found predominantly, but not exclusively, within the thyroid gland. CT is a hypocalcemic hormone secreted in response to a rise in serum calcium level [1]. The CT peptide family also includes the structurally-related molecules: CT gene-related peptide (CGRP), amylin, adrenomedullin, and adrenomedullin 2 (or intermedin). This chapter focuses on CT physiology.