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Naturally-occurring calcitonin is synthesised by parafollicular cells in the thyroid gland of mammals and the ultimobranchial gland of birds and fish. The potency of salmon calcitonin is standardised according to its ability to lower plasma calcium levels of rats as compared to the International Reference standard.
Pharmacology
Calcitonin is a polypeptide hormone produced by the ultimobranchial gland in non-mammalian vertebrates or by the mammalian thyroid parafollicular cells. It inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption and reduces bone turnover. It decreases tubular reabsorption and promotes renal excretion of Ca, Cl, Na, Mg, K and phosphate.