Hormone · Polypeptide hormone
Calcitonin
Also known as Salmon Calcitonin
A 32-amino acid polypeptide that modulates calcium metabolism by acting on the calcitonin receptor (CTR), often used in bone biology research.
- Length
- 32 amino acids
- Half-life
- Varies by species; ~10 min (human) vs ~50 min (salmon)
- Mechanism
- Acts via the calcitonin receptor (CTR), a G-protein coupled receptor, to inhibit osteoclast activity and reduce serum calcium concentration.
- Studied in
- A reference compound with a clinical history, it is used in vitro to study osteoclast function and in vivo models of bone metabolism and calcium homeostasis.
About Calcitonin
Calcitonin is a 32-amino acid polypeptide hormone that plays a role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. In mammals, it is secreted by the parafollicular cells (C-cells) of the thyroid gland in response to hypercalcemia. Its primary function is to lower blood calcium levels, acting as a functional antagonist to parathyroid hormone (PTH).
The salmon-derived analogue of calcitonin is frequently used in research due to its higher potency and greater stability compared to the human form. Its mechanism involves direct binding to the calcitonin receptor (CTR) on osteoclasts, leading to the rapid inhibition of bone resorption. This makes it a standard reagent for in vitro studies of osteoclast activity and cell signaling.
Laboratory notes
- The salmon calcitonin analogue is approximately 50-fold more potent than human calcitonin in standard bioassays.
- Reconstituted solutions can adsorb to glass and plastic; use of low-adhesion labware is recommended.
- Aliquoting after reconstitution is advised to prevent degradation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Calcitonin
Why is salmon calcitonin commonly used for research?
The salmon analogue exhibits a higher binding affinity for mammalian calcitonin receptors and a longer plasma half-life, resulting in greater potency and duration of action in experimental models.
What is the primary cellular target of calcitonin in bone?
Calcitonin's principal target is the osteoclast. Binding to its receptor on these cells inhibits their bone-resorbing activity.
What is the relationship between calcitonin and PTH?
They are counter-regulatory hormones in calcium homeostasis. Calcitonin is released in response to high blood calcium and acts to lower it, while PTH is released in response to low blood calcium and acts to raise it.
Is Calcitonin for human use?
No. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or animal consumption.
Related research peptides
All products are sold for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, not a medicine, not for diagnosing, treating or preventing any condition.