Drugs Five Years Later: Calcitonin as a Drug

  1. LEONARD J. DEFTOS, M.D.; and
  2. BRIAN P. FIRST, M.D.
  1. San Diego, California

    Abstract

    Calcitonin is a peptide hormone produced by the C-cells of the thyroid gland. Its main biological effect is to inhibit the resorption of bone. This effect, in combination with a calciuric action of calcitonin, can produce a lowering of blood calcium. These biological effects of calcitonin have made it useful in the treatment of hypercalcemic and hyperresorptive disorders.

    Article and Author Information

    • ▸From the Endocrine Section, Department of Medicine, University of California and San Diego Veterans Administration Medical Center; La Jolla, California.

    • ▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Leonard J. Deftos, M.D.; 3350 La Jolla Village Drive; San Diego, CA 92161.

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    1. Ann Intern Med August 1, 1981 vol. 95 no. 2 192-197
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