Thyroid calcitonin

Thyrocalcitonin: Role and properties

Thyroid calcitonin, also known as calcitonin, is a hormone that plays an important role in regulating calcium levels in the body. It is produced in the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland and performs several important functions related to calcium metabolism.

Regulating calcium levels is a critical process for maintaining a healthy body. Calcium plays an important role in many physiological processes, including muscle contraction, nervous system function, and bone health. Thyroid calcitonin helps maintain calcium balance in the body by regulating its absorption in the intestines, excretion through the kidneys and mobilization from the skeleton.

One of the main functions of thyrocalcitonin is to reduce calcium levels in the blood. It achieves this by inhibiting the activity of cells responsible for bone breakdown, as well as increasing the excretion of calcium through the kidneys. This helps prevent excess calcium from building up in the blood, which can lead to various problems, including stone formation and organ damage.

In addition, thyrocalcitonin affects phosphorus metabolism, stimulating its excretion through the kidneys. It is also important for maintaining the balance between calcium and phosphorus in the body.

Thyroid calcitonin also exhibits some anti-inflammatory properties and may be involved in the regulation of the immune system. Its role in these processes is still being studied, and some studies show potential antitumor properties of thyrocalcitonin.

The level of thyrocalcitonin in the body can vary depending on various physiological and pathological conditions. For example, increased thyrocalcitonin levels may be associated with thyroid tumors such as medullary thyroid cancer. This can be used in the diagnosis and monitoring of such diseases.

In conclusion, thyrocalcitonin plays an important role in regulating calcium levels in the body. Its functions include maintaining calcium and phosphorus balance, reducing calcium levels in the blood, and possibly participating in anti-inflammatory and immune processes. Understanding the role of thyrocalcitonin is important for the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions associated with impaired calcium metabolism in the body.