Influence of calcium infusion on calcitonin and parathyroid hormone concentrations in normal and hemodialyzed subjects.

Plasma calcitonin and parathyroid hormone concentrations were compared before and after calcium infusion in both hemodialyzed patients and control subjects. Levels of both hormones were significantly higher in patients with chronic renal failure. In the uremic group, calcium infusion inhibited parathyroid hormone secretion but did not affect calcitonin. In the control group, calcium infusion stimulated calcitonin secretion but had no effect on parathyroid hormone.