The Acute Effects of Porcine Calcitonin in Man

SUMMARY The acute response to porcine calcitonin was studied in five normal subjects, four patients with thyrotoxicosis, eight with osteoporosis, and in two patients with hypercalcremia some months after renal transplantation. Serum calcium level was lowered in the thyrotoxic and hypercalcremic patients, and in three of those with osteoporosis. In all groups, calcitonin caused an increased rate of phosphate, calcium and sulphate excretion. Urinary hydroxyproline excretion was reduced only in those patients whose serum calcium level was lowered. The results confirm that calcitonin lowers serum calcium level only in states of rapid bone resorption. They suggest that calcitonin may be of use in the study and treatment of osteoporosis.