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Description

Calcitonin is a polypeptide hormone formed by the proteolytic cleavage of a larger prepropeptide. It is produced primarily by the parafollicular C-cells of the thyroid. Calcitonin is involved in the regulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism. It decreases the level of calcium and phosphate ions in blood by promoting the incorporation of these ions into bones, as well as inhibiting renal tubular cell reabsorption. Calcitonin expression is found in C-cell hyperplasia and medullary thyroid carcinomas. It is a useful marker in identification of C-cell proliferative abnormalities, and for distinguishing medullary carcinoma from papillary and follicular thyroid cancer.

References

1. Boron WF, et al. Elsevier/Saunders. 2004; ISBN 1-4160-2328-3.
2. Rhoades R. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2009; ISBN 978-0-7817-6852-8.
3. Us-Krasovec M, et al. Pathologica. 1998; 90:5-13.
4. Hayashida CY, et al. Cancer. 1993; 72:1356-63.