Regulation of calcitonin secretion by thyroid parafollicular cells in vitro.

The studies were performed on cultured TT cells originating from human thyroid medullary carcinoma (i.e., from parafollicular cells of the thyroid). The amount of released calcitonin was dependent upon calcium level in the medium. Moreover, calcitonin secretion might be regulated by medium supplementation with polypeptide hormones. Somatostatin inhibited while glucagon and pentagastrin stimulated calcitonin secretion to t he medium. Calcitonin secretion was also influenced by biogenic amines and their precursors. Dihydroxy-1-phenylalanine and serotonin augmented while 5-hydroxy-1-tryptophan and dopamine inhibited calcium secretion. This, calcitonin secretion may be controlled by different substances present in the healthy organism. This points to a complex control of calcium ion level in the blood.