The amino acid sequence of porcine thyrocalcitonin

Investigating the inhibitory property of DM hCT on hCT fibrillization via its relevant peptide fragments

The irreversible aggregation of proteins or peptides greatly limits their bioavailability; therefore, effective inhibition using small molecules or biocompatible materials is very difficult. Human calcitonin (hCT), a hormone polypeptide with 32 residues, is secreted by the C-cells of the thyroid gland. The biological function of this hormone is to regulate calcium and phosphate concentrations in the blood via several different pathways. One of these is to inhibit the activity of osteoclasts; thus, calcitonin could be used to treat osteoporosis and Paget's disease of the bone. However, hCT is prone to aggregation in aqueous solution and forms amyloid fibrils. Salmon and eel calcitonin are currently used as clinical substitutes for hCT. In a previous study, we found that the replacement of two residues at positions 12 and 17 of hCT with amino acids that appear in the salmon sequence can greatly suppress peptide aggregation. The double mutations of hCT (DM hCT) also act as good inhibitors by disrupting wild-type hCT fibrillization, although the inhibition mechanism is not clear. More importantly, we demonstrated that DM hCT is biologically active in interacting with the calcitonin receptor. To further understand the inhibitory effect of DM hCT on hCT fibrillization, we created four relevant peptide fragments based on the DM hCT sequence. Our examination revealed that the formation of a helix of DM hCT was possibly a key component contributing to its inhibitory effect. This finding could help in the development of peptide-based inhibitors and in understanding the aggregation mechanism of hCT.

Medullary thyroid carcinoma: a narrative historical review

INTRODUCTION

Sporadic or hereditary medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is an uncommon thyroid malignancy arising from calcitonin secreting parafollicular C cells. Interestingly, MTC and calcitonin were distinct entities that were discovered independently yet concurrently, and their association was unknown.

AREAS COVERED

This review aims to present a historical review of the evolution of our understanding of MTC and its tumor marker calcitonin to highlight the prominent individuals that influenced and shaped our knowledge of this uncommon thyroid cancer type up to the dawn of the 21^st century. An overview of all published reports of novel research and work summarizing important findings for MTC and calcitonin was carried out.

EXPERT OPINION

Surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment for localized MTC. However, several new treatment options are either available or in development for advanced or metastatic MTC, including several novel small molecules targeting oncogenic RET and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, immunotherapy, radioimmunotherapy, and radiofrequency ablation. In the near future, these novel treatments hold promise for therapy of this very distinct thyroid cancer type.

Biochemical, Anatomical, and Pharmacological Characterization of Calcitonin-Type Neuropeptides in Starfish: Discovery of an Ancient Role as Muscle Relaxants

Calcitonin (CT) is a peptide hormone released by the thyroid gland that regulates blood Ca²⁺ levels in mammals. The CT gene is alternatively spliced, with one transcript encoding CT and another transcript encoding the CT-like neuropeptide calcitonin-gene related peptide (α-CGRP), which is a powerful vasodilator. Other CT-related peptides in vertebrates include adrenomedullin, amylin, and intermedin, which also act as smooth muscle relaxants. The evolutionary origin of CT-type peptides has been traced to the bilaterian common ancestor of protostomes and deuterostomes and a CT-like peptide (DH31) has been identified as a diuretic hormone in some insect species. However, little is known about the physiological roles of CT-type peptides in other invertebrates. Here we characterized a CT-type neuropeptide in a deuterostomian invertebrate—the starfish Asterias rubens (Phylum Echinodermata). A CT-type precursor cDNA (ArCTP) was sequenced and the predicted structure of the peptide (ArCT) derived from ArCTP was confirmed using mass spectrometry. The distribution of ArCTP mRNA and the ArCT peptide was investigated using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively, revealing stained cells/processes in the nervous system, digestive system, and muscular organs, including the apical muscle and tube feet. Investigation of the effects of synthetic ArCT on in vitro preparations of the apical muscle and tube feet revealed that it acts as a relaxant, causing dose-dependent reversal of acetylcholine-induced contraction. Furthermore, a muscle relaxant present in whole-animal extracts of another starfish species, Patiria pectinifera, was identified as an ortholog of ArCT and named PpCT. Consistent with the expression pattern of ArCTP in A. rubens, RT-qPCR revealed that in P. pectinifera the PpCT precursor transcript is more abundant in the radial nerve cords than in other tissues/organs analyzed. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the physiological action of CT-related peptides as muscle relaxants in vertebrates may reflect an evolutionarily ancient role of CT-type neuropeptides that can be traced back to the common ancestor of deuterostomes.

Discovery of novel representatives of bilaterian neuropeptide families and reconstruction of neuropeptide precursor evolution in ophiuroid echinoderms

Neuropeptides are a diverse class of intercellular signalling molecules that mediate neuronal regulation of many physiological and behavioural processes. Recent advances in genome/transcriptome sequencing are enabling identification of neuropeptide precursor proteins in species from a growing variety of animal taxa, providing new insights into the evolution of neuropeptide signalling. Here, detailed analysis of transcriptome sequence data from three brittle star species, Ophionotus victoriae, Amphiura filiformis and Ophiopsila aranea, has enabled the first comprehensive identification of neuropeptide precursors in the class Ophiuroidea of the phylum Echinodermata. Representatives of over 30 bilaterian neuropeptide precursor families were identified, some of which occur as paralogues. Furthermore, homologues of endothelin/CCHamide, eclosion hormone, neuropeptide-F/Y and nucleobinin/nesfatin were discovered here in a deuterostome/echinoderm for the first time. The majority of ophiuroid neuropeptide precursors contain a single copy of a neuropeptide, but several precursors comprise multiple copies of identical or non-identical, but structurally related, neuropeptides. Here, we performed an unprecedented investigation of the evolution of neuropeptide copy number over a period of approximately 270 Myr by analysing sequence data from over 50 ophiuroid species, with reference to a robust phylogeny. Our analysis indicates that the composition of neuropeptide ‘cocktails’ is functionally important, but with plasticity over long evolutionary time scales.

Transcriptomic identification of starfish neuropeptide precursors yields new insights into neuropeptide evolution

Neuropeptides are evolutionarily ancient mediators of neuronal signalling in nervous systems. With recent advances in genomics/transcriptomics, an increasingly wide range of species has become accessible for molecular analysis. The deuterostomian invertebrates are of particular interest in this regard because they occupy an ‘intermediate' position in animal phylogeny, bridging the gap between the well-studied model protostomian invertebrates (e.g. Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans) and the vertebrates. Here we have identified 40 neuropeptide precursors in the starfish Asterias rubens, a deuterostomian invertebrate from the phylum Echinodermata. Importantly, these include kisspeptin-type and melanin-concentrating hormone-type precursors, which are the first to be discovered in a non-chordate species. Starfish tachykinin-type, somatostatin-type, pigment-dispersing factor-type and corticotropin-releasing hormone-type precursors are the first to be discovered in the echinoderm/ambulacrarian clade of the animal kingdom. Other precursors identified include vasopressin/oxytocin-type, gonadotropin-releasing hormone-type, thyrotropin-releasing hormone-type, calcitonin-type, cholecystokinin/gastrin-type, orexin-type, luqin-type, pedal peptide/orcokinin-type, glycoprotein hormone-type, bursicon-type, relaxin-type and insulin-like growth factor-type precursors. This is the most comprehensive identification of neuropeptide precursor proteins in an echinoderm to date, yielding new insights into the evolution of neuropeptide signalling systems. Furthermore, these data provide a basis for experimental analysis of neuropeptide function in the unique context of the decentralized, pentaradial echinoderm bauplan.

Horizontal gene transfer of a vertebrate vasodilatory hormone into ticks

The horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of functional molecules is found in higher eukaryotes, but its influence on their evolution has not been fully evaluated. Here we describe the HGT of a vertebrate vasodilator, adrenomedullin (ADM), into ticks of the genus Ornithodoros and hypothesize its involvement in tick evolution. The salivary glands of Ornithodoros ticks contain ADM-like vasodilators, tick-adrenomedullin (TAM). ADM-like molecules, including TAM, are conserved in all vertebrates and Ornithodoros ticks but not in any other invertebrates, including Argas ticks, which share a common ancestor with Ornithodoros ticks. In addition, the close evolutionarily relationship between TAM and ADM is supported through genomic sequence and phylogenetic relatedness analyses. Ornithodoros ticks horizontally acquired vertebrate ADM and currently employ it to facilitate blood feeding. The acquisition of TAM might result in a beneficial change in feeding behaviour and influence the divergence of Ornithodoros ticks.

Immunogenicity of xenopeptide hormone therapies

Peptides are a growing class of agents whose therapeutic use originated with non-human treatments such as animal insulins. Xenopeptides continue to be explored for biotherapeutic development using genetic engineering, and through the rich resource of animal and plant polypeptides. One of the major concerns of therapeutic administration of xenopeptides is the potential for untoward immune responses that may lead to loss of drug efficacy or adverse events in recipients. An increased risk of immunogenicity is perceived with xenopeptides, however, human-derived therapies also induce antibody formation that in some cases has been associated with severe clinical sequelae. In this review, antibody responses to xenopeptides are highlighted looking at current hormone therapies used to treat endocrine disorders. Similar to clinical experiences with peptide-based agents in general, antibody responses against xenopeptide hormone therapies in majority of cases have been benign in nature with minimal clinical impact.

Calcitonin: physiological actions and clinical applications

Calcitonin (CT) was first reported as a hypocalcemic principle, initially thought to originate from the parathyroid gland, a view subsequently corrected to an origin from parafollicular C-cells. Human CT is a 32 amino acid peptide with an N-terminal disulphide bridge and a C-terminal prolineamide residue, shown to potently inhibit bone resorption. More recent studies have demonstrated that this may take place through a direct osteoclastic action. A number of osteoclast CT receptors have subsequently been characterized and particular receptor regions necessary for ligand binding and intracellular signaling identified. Its potent anti-resorptive effect has led to its use in treating Paget's bone disease, osteoporosis, hypercalcaemia and osteogenesis imperfecta. This review summarises some key aspects of its synthesis, structure and its actions at the cellular and molecular levels, and leads on to its therapeutic uses that have emerged since its discovery as well as possibilities for future clinical applications.

Increased bone mass is an unexpected phenotype associated with deletion of the calcitonin gene

Calcitonin (CT) is a known inhibitor of bone resorption. Calcitonin gene-related peptide-alpha (CGRPalpha), produced by alternative RNA processing of the CT/CGRP gene, has no clearly defined role in bone. To better understand the physiologic role of the CT/CGRP gene we created a mouse in which the coding sequences for both CT and CGRPalpha were deleted by homologous recombination. The CT/CGRP(-/-) knockout (KO) mice procreated normally, there were no identifiable developmental defects at birth, and they had normal baseline calcium-related chemistry values. However, KO animals were more responsive to exogenous human parathyroid hormone as evidenced by a greater increase of the serum calcium concentration and urine deoxypyridinoline crosslinks, an effect reversed by CT and mediated by a greater increase in bone resorption than in controls. Surprisingly, KO mice have significantly greater trabecular bone volume and a 1.5- to 2-fold increase in bone formation at 1 and 3 months of age. This effect appears to be mediated by increased bone formation. In addition, KO mice maintain bone mass following ovariectomy, whereas wild-type mice lose approximately one-third of their bone mass over 2 months. These findings argue for dual roles for CT/CGRP gene products: prevention of bone resorption in hypercalcemic states and a regulatory role in bone formation.

Increased bone mass is an unexpected phenotype associated with deletion of the calcitonin gene

Calcitonin (CT) is a known inhibitor of bone resorption. Calcitonin gene-related peptide-alpha (CGRPalpha), produced by alternative RNA processing of the CT/CGRP gene, has no clearly defined role in bone. To better understand the physiologic role of the CT/CGRP gene we created a mouse in which the coding sequences for both CT and CGRPalpha were deleted by homologous recombination. The CT/CGRP(-/-) knockout (KO) mice procreated normally, there were no identifiable developmental defects at birth, and they had normal baseline calcium-related chemistry values. However, KO animals were more responsive to exogenous human parathyroid hormone as evidenced by a greater increase of the serum calcium concentration and urine deoxypyridinoline crosslinks, an effect reversed by CT and mediated by a greater increase in bone resorption than in controls. Surprisingly, KO mice have significantly greater trabecular bone volume and a 1.5- to 2-fold increase in bone formation at 1 and 3 months of age. This effect appears to be mediated by increased bone formation. In addition, KO mice maintain bone mass following ovariectomy, whereas wild-type mice lose approximately one-third of their bone mass over 2 months. These findings argue for dual roles for CT/CGRP gene products: prevention of bone resorption in hypercalcemic states and a regulatory role in bone formation.

Forty years of calcitonin--where are we now? A tribute to the work of Iain Macintyre, FRS

Calcitonin was discovered as a hypocalcemic principal that was initially thought to originate from the parathyroid gland. This view was corrected subsequently, and an origin from the thyroid C cells was documented. The purification and sequencing of various calcitonins soon followed. Calcitonin is a 32-amino-acid-long peptide with an N-terminal disulfide bridge and a C-terminal prolineamide residue. The peptide was shown to potently inhibit bone resorption; however, a direct osteoclastic action of the peptide was confirmed only in the early 1980s. Several osteoclast calcitonin receptors have subsequently been cloned and sequenced. Specific regions of the receptor necessary for ligand binding and intracellular signaling through cyclic AMP and calcium have been identified through systematic deletion mutagenesis and chimeric receptor studies. Calcitonin's potent antiresorptive effect has led to its use in treating Paget's disease of bone, osteoporosis, and hypercalcemia. This review retraces key aspects of the synthesis and structure of calcitonin, its cellular and molecular actions, and its therapeutic uses as they have emerged over the 40 years since its discovery. The review also examines the implications of these findings for future clinical applications as a tribute to early workers to whom credit must be given for creation of an important and expanding field. Notable are the new approaches currently being used to enhance calcitonin action, including novel allosteric activators of the calcitonin receptor, modulation of the release of endogenous calcitonin by calcimimetic agents, as well as the development of oral calcitonins.

Primary structure and bioactivity of bullfrog calcitonin

Calcitonin was isolated from the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, and the first amino acid sequence of an amphibian calcitonin was determined to be Cys-Ser-Gly-Leu-Ser-Thr-Cys-Ala-Leu-Met-Lys-Leu-Ser-Gln-Asp-Leu-His- Arg-Phe-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Thr-Asn-Val-Gly-Ala-Gly-Thr-Pro-NH2. Some portions of this sequence are specific to bullfrog calcitonin, and other portions are similar both to teleost calcitonins and to mammalian calcitonins. Administration of 5 pmol of bullfrog calcitonin to rats revealed a hypocalcemic potency similar to that of salmon calcitonin, at least for the first 3 hr.

Homeostatic control of plasma calcium concentration

Due to the importance of Ca2+ in the regulation of vital cellular and tissue functions, the concentration of Ca2+ in body fluids is closely guarded by an efficient feedback control system. This system includes Ca(2+)-transporting subsystems (bone, and kidney), Ca2+ sensing, possibly by a calcium-sensing receptor, and calcium-regulating hormones (parathyroid hormone [PTH], calcitonin [CT], and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]). In humans and birds, acute Ca2+ perturbations are handled mainly by modulation of kidney Ca2+ reabsorption and by bone Ca2+ flow under PTH and possibly CT regulation, respectively. Chronic perturbations are also handled by the more sluggish but economic regulatory action of 1,25(OH2)D3 on intestinal calcium absorption. Peptide hormone secretion is modulated by Ca2+ and several secretagogues. The hormones' signal is produced by interaction with their respective receptors, which evokes the cAMP and phospholipase C-IP3-Ca2+ signal transduction pathways. 1,25 (OH)2D3 operates through a cytoplasmic receptor in controlling transcription and through a membrane receptor that activates the Ca2+ and phospholipase C messenger system. The calciotropic hormones also influence processes not directly associated with Ca2+ regulation, such as cell differentiation, and may thus affect the calcium-regulating subsystems also indirectly.

Chemical assay for cyst(e)ine-rich peptides detects a novel intestinal peptide ZF-1, homologous to a single zinc-finger motif

Cysteine is a relatively infrequent constituent of proteins, which in its thiol or half-cystine form contributes in a special manner to their three-dimensional structure. We show that in small cystine-containing peptides, the Cys content is always higher than the average in proteins in general. This observation makes it possible to search for new peptides by monitoring only their Cys content. We have developed a chemical assay for the detection of cyst(e)ine-rich peptides in tissue extracts. Using this assay we have isolated from porcine intestine a novel cysteine-rich peptide, which we denote ZF-1. ZF-1 is homologous to a single zinc-finger motif and has an acetylated N-terminus. This is the first demonstration of the existence of a processed single zinc-finger-like structure. The structural homology of ZF-1 to the zinc-finger motif, present in several metal-binding and DNA-binding proteins, suggests an important role of this peptide in metal transport and/or modulation of gene expression.

A validated HPLC assay for salmon calcitonin analysis. Comparison of HPLC and biological assay

A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method is described for the assay of salmon calcitonin. The method uses a 5-microns octadecasilyl silica column (100 x 4.6 mm) at 50 degrees C and an initial mobile phase (flow rate 1 ml min-1) comprising 35% of B (1 M tetramethylammonium hydroxide-water-acetonitrile, 8:392:600) and 65% of A (1 M tetramethylammonium hydroxide-water-acetonitrile, 20:880:100) with linear gradient elution over 21 min to a final mobile phase of 57% B; solutions A and B are adjusted to pH 2.5 with phosphoric acid. Detection was by UV spectrophotometry at 210 nm. The method has been shown to be selective, precise and rapid and, in a collaborative study to give excellent correlation with the results obtained by using the biological assay method of the European Pharmacopoeia. The method, which has been applied successfully to the assay of different batches of salmon calcitonin in bulk drug and in formulated products, is recommended for adoption as the pharmacopoeial assay method.

The calcitonin gene peptides: biology and clinical relevance

The calcitonin/CGRP multigene complex encodes a family of peptides: calcitonin, its C-terminal flanking peptide, katacalcin, and a third novel peptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). The 32-amino acid peptide calcitonin inhibits the osteoclast, thereby conserving skeletal mass during periods of potential calcium lack, such as pregnancy, growth, and lactation. This hormonal role is emphasized by observations that lower circulating calcitonin levels are associated with bone loss and that calcitonin replacement prevents further bone loss. Structurally, CGRP resembles calcitonin and has been implicated in neuromodulation and in the physiological regulation of blood flow. Here we review the molecular genetics, structure, and function of the calcitonin-gene peptides as analyzed in the laboratory and focus on more recent clinical studies relating to disorders and therapeutics.

Structure of chicken calcitonin predicted by partial nucleotide sequence of its precursor

DNA complementary to chicken ultimobranchial gland mRNA was cloned into the Pst I site of plasmid vector pBR322. A plasmid was selected by DNA-mRNA hybridization. We report here the partial nucleotide sequence of chicken calcitonin mRNA and the deduced complete amino acid sequence of chicken calcitonin.

Characterization of the immunochemical forms of calcitonin released by a medullary thyroid carcinoma in tissue culture

Immunoreactive calcitonin released by a medullary thyroid carcinoma in tissue culture has been found to exhibit heterogeneity when analyzed by gel chromatography and radioimmunoassay, in a pattern analogous to that seen in the circulation of the patient from whom the neoplasm was removed. To examine the cause of the heterogeneity, the immunoreactive material released by the tumor into tissue culture medium was further analyzed by gel electrophoresis in the presence of the protein denaturant 8 M urea, by gel chromatography after reduction and alkylation, by affinity chromatography on concanavalin A-agarose, and by bioassay in a renal adenylyl cyclase system of enhanced sensitivity. The results suggest that the larger immunochemical forms of calcitonin described in the circulation of patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma may be released directly from the neoplasm and need not derive from peripheral metabolism of the monomer. It could be demonstrated that a major proportion of the immunochemical enlargement is dependent upon intermolecular disulfide bridge formation whereas aggregation or non-convalent protein binding account for a smaller component of the heterogeneity. In view of the absence of binding of the immunoreactive material to the lectin agarose, carbohydrate side chains, at least of the alpha-d glucosyl variety, do not seem to contribute significantly to calcitonin enlargement. Additionally, the studies indicate that, at least by in vitro assay, the larger immunochemical forms of calcitonin, representing the majority of the immunoreactivity released by a medullary thyroid carcinoma, are biologically inactive.

Histology, innervation and histochemistry of the UB gland in the Mexican cave fish Anoptichthys jordani Hubbs et Innes (Teleostei: Characidae)

The histomorphological investigations carried out on the ultimobranchial body of the Teleost Anoptichthys jordani Hubbs and Innes have enabled us to establish that it is an epithelial multifollicular body which lies within the transverse septum, beneath the musculature of the oesophagus and caudal to the Sinus venosus. Its parenchyma is surrounded by an extensive nerve network revealed by the Bodian silver technique. This nerve network and the occurrence of MAO activity in the ultimobranchial tissue indicate that it possesses a sympathetic innervation. The follicular epithelium sometimes acquire a pseudostratified condition in some follicles and sometimes in multistratified in others. In this latter case the presence of two main types of cell was noticed (light cells and dark cells). In these cells by the fluorescence microscopic analysis was revealed an intensely green fluorescence due to the presence of an aromatic monoamine, dopamine. This conclusion was further confirmed by the agreement between the argyrophilic cells and the fluorescent cells after silver staining. The possible partecipation of dopamine in the elaboration of polypeptide factor (calcitonin) is suggested. A notable analogy from the structural point of view to the calcitonin-producing cells of higher Vertebrates is also confirmed by the markedly argyrophilia of the main cells.

The complete amino-acid sequence of rat thyrocalcitonin

The complete amino acid sequence of rat thyrocalcitonin has been determined by automated Edman degradations of the intact molecule, a cyanogen bromide fragment, and by degradations of mixtures of peptides produced by hydrolysis of the hormone with trypsin and chymotrypsin. The sequence determined was H2N-Cys-Gly-Asn-Leu-Ser-Thr-Cys-Met-Leu-Gly-Thr-Tyr-Thr-Gln-Asp-Leu-Asn-Lys-Phe-His-Thr-Phe-Pro-Gln-Thr-Ser-Ile-Gly-Val-Gly-Ala-Pro-NH2. This sequence differs in only two positions from that found in the human hormone, i.e. leucine-16 in the rat vs phenylalanine-16 in the human, and serine-26 in the rat vs alanine-26 in the human. These similarities and differences are consistent with the previously reported immunological properties of the hormones isolated from these two species.

Calcitonin biosynthesis: evidence for a precursor

Calcitonin biosynthesis has been studied in chicken ultimobranchial glands incubated in vitro in the presence of radioactive amino acids. The results obtained suggest the existence of a biosynthetic precursor of higher molecular weight or procalcitonin. This precursor has been identified by pulse-chase experiments, molecular weight determinations, biological activity measurements and analysis of tryptic peptides. Its molecular weight is about 13000 (calcitonin, about 3500) as determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Procalcitonin is present in small amounts in chicken ultimobranchial glands and it is biologically active in rats.

Calcitonin resistance: clinical and immunologic studies in subjects with Paget's disease of bone treated with porcine and salmon calcitonins

15 patients with Paget's bone disease were treated with varying schedules of porcine (3.8-157.5 MRCU/kg per wk) and/or salmon (1.5-210 MRCU/kg per wk) calcitonins over periods ranging from 4 to 24 months. All of the subjects experienced a striking decrease in serum alkaline phosphatase during the first 4 months of treatment. In six patients, however, resistance to these peptides was suggested by a subsequent elevation of alkaline phosphatase activity in spite of continued and augmented hormone administration. These rebounds in alkaline phosphatase levels correlated with the appearance of calcitonin-binding substances and neutralizing material in serum. Incubations of calcitonins-(125)I and sera from these six subjects resulted in the association of radioactivity with material whose behavior on chromatoelectrophoresis (6/6), sucrose density ultracentrifugation and immunoelectrophoresis (one subject) was identical with that of 7S immunoglobulin. Specific, reversible in vitro binding of salmon calcitonins-(125)I was observed in sera obtained from these patients 5 to 12 months after initiation of salmon calcitonin therapy. All six of these subjects' sera acquired the capacity to neutralize salmon calcitonin's hypocalcemic effect in rat bioassay. Neutralization titers correlated with maximal binding capacities, which ranged from 0.042 to 6.6 mg/liter of serum. Competitive displacement of calcitonins-(125)I from the sera of one patient treated with both porcine and salmon calcitonin indicated separate populations of antibodies to these hormones. In spite of return of disease activity comparable to baseline levels, 3/5 resistant subjects treated with salmon calcitonin failed to develop hypocalcemia after injection of 300-1000 MRCU of salmon calcitonin, but two of these patients developed hypocalcemia in response to the porcine hormone. The disappearance of total radioactivity from the circulation after intravenous administration of salmon calcitonin-(125)I was retarded and the amount of serum radioactivity precipitable in 50% (NH(4))(2)SO(4) greater in 3/3 resistant patients compared to control subjects. These observations on the incidence of significant titers of neutralizing antibodies to salmon (40%) and porcine (66%) calcitonins during their chronic (> 4 months) administration to man clearly indicate that an appraisal of this possibility be included in studies involving protracted use of these hormones.

Synthesis of a biologically active N-terminal tetratriacontapeptide of parathyroid hormone

Determination of the amino acid sequence of bovine parathyroid hormone has led to the synthesis of a tetratriacontapeptide corresponding to the amino-terminal 1-34 residues of the native molecule. The specific biological effects of this synthetic peptide on bone and kidney are qualitatively identical to those of the native hormone in classical bioassays in vivo and in several systems in vitro. Potency of the synthetic peptide equals or exceeds that of a biologically active fragment of comparable size isolated from the native hormone; the synthetic and natural peptides show complete immunological cross-reactivity. Thus, essential requirements for the physiological actions of the peptide on both skeletal and renal tissue are contained within the 34 amino-terminal amino acids. The potency of the synthetic peptide, relative to that of the native (84-amino acid) polypeptide, is greater in vitro than in vivo; this suggests that the carboxyl terminal two-thirds of the native hormone may protect the circulating polypeptide from rapid metabolic degradation.