The α-calcitonin gene encodes a small family of peptides: Calcitonin, katacalcin, and
calcitonin generelated peptide (CGRP). Calcitonin and katacalcin are produced from one
precursor and CGRP from another. Calcitonin and katacalcin come mainly from the thyroid,
while CGRP is present in both the thyroid and the central nervous system. Calcitonin is
concerned with skeletal integrity, while the function of katacalcin, if any, is unknown. The
secretion of calcitonin is, in part, estrogen dependent, and it appears likely that a …