Abstract
Summary
A radioimmunoassay for serum calcitonin in the rat is described. Materials for assay of human calcitonin are employed. The sensitivity of the assay is 3 pg and corresponds to a lower limit of detection of 60 pg/ml for peripheral serum. The normal range is up to 650 pg/ml in rats weighing between 125 and 200 g. Serum calcitonin is not detectable in thyroparathy-roidectomized animals. It increases and varies directly with the serum calcium after intraperitoneal administration of the ion. Values for serum calcitonin in male and female rats are comparable under basal conditions and after calcium. The radioimmunoassay should allow the further characterization of calcitonin secretion in response to physiologic and pathophysiologic stimuli in this species.
These studies were supported by research funds from the Veterans Administration. The technical assistance of Mr. Jack Kimble and Mrs. Sarah Larson is gratefully acknowledged.
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