calcitonin

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calcitonin (thyrocalcitonin) A peptide hormone in vertebrates that lowers the concentration of calcium (and phosphate) in the blood by suppressing the release of calcium from bone and promoting excretion of calcium and phosphate by the kidneys. It operates in opposition to parathyroid hormone. Calcitonin is produced by the C cells, which in mammals are located in the thyroid gland.

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