A peptide hormone that lowers calcium concentration in the blood. In humans, it is released by thyroid cells and acts to decrease the formation and absorptive activity of osteoclasts. Its role in regulating plasma calcium is much greater in children and in certain diseases than in normal adults.

Synonyms: 0, Calcitonin, Eel, Calcitonin(1-32), Calcitonin, 9007-12-9, Ciba 47175BA, Ciba 47175 BA, Thyrocalcitonin, Eel Calcitonin, Ciba 47175-BA, Calcitrin