Calcitonin and calcitonin receptors. 2007

Laura Masi, and Maria Luisa Brandi
Regional Center for Hereditary Endocrine Tumors Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.

Calcitonin (CT) is a polypeptide hormone with 32 aminoacids syntetized primarily by the thyroid.Several evidences support the existence of nonthyroidal CT like peptide. The CT gene transcript also encodes a distinct peptide known as calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) which is a potent vasodilator and responsible for the stimulation of the glomerular filtration rate. In addition, a 37 aminoacid peptide amylin has been originally isolated by pancreatic β-cells. Amylin is able to inhibit insulin secretion, glucose transport into the skeletal musculature and gluconeogenesis. It is also able to inhibit gastric emptying. In the kidney it is able to modulate Calcium (Ca(2+)) excretion and increases renin activity. Finally, high affinity amylin receptors have been identified in the brain of the rat. The calcitonin receptor (CTR) is a member of a subfamily of the seven-transmembrane domain G-protein coupled receptor super family that includes several peptides. Members of this family have a similar structure with other seven-membrane-spanning domain G-protein coupled receptors.The genetic contribution to osteoporosis susceptibility is well documented and many studies demonstrated that genetic factors play important roles in the regulation of bone metabolism. Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (RFLPs) for the CTR gene have been described in the literature with a positive association with the lumbar bone mineral density (BMD), femoral neck BMD and with a lower incidence of vertebral fractures.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries

Related Publications

Laura Masi, and Maria Luisa Brandi
December 2000, International journal of experimental pathology,
Laura Masi, and Maria Luisa Brandi
September 1980, The Biochemical journal,
Laura Masi, and Maria Luisa Brandi
January 1989, Annales d'endocrinologie,
Laura Masi, and Maria Luisa Brandi
February 1987, Bone and mineral,
Laura Masi, and Maria Luisa Brandi
March 1988, The Biochemical journal,
Laura Masi, and Maria Luisa Brandi
January 1985, Methods in enzymology,
Laura Masi, and Maria Luisa Brandi
July 1995, Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology,
Laura Masi, and Maria Luisa Brandi
December 1972, Science (New York, N.Y.),
Laura Masi, and Maria Luisa Brandi
November 1987, Hormone and metabolic research = Hormon- und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones et metabolisme,
Copied contents to your clipboard!