Equal calcitonin response in paretic and non-paretic cows after intravenous calcium infusion

Seventeen cows divided into 3 groups were studied: Group 1 consisting of newly delivered cows (1–3 days post partum) suffering from parturient paresis; Group 2 comprising newly delivered (1–4 days post parturn) healthy cows and Group 3 consisting of non-pregnant, non-lactating cattle. All animals were given an intravenous standard Ca infusion, and blood samples were obtained before treatment and at intervals during a 3-hour period thereafter. Plasma levels of calcitonin (CT), calcium (Ca) and inorg. phosphate (P) were determined. No significant difference for the mean CT response existed between animals in Groups 1 and 2. Blood levels of inorg. P increased significantly with time in animals of Groups 1 and 2 but not in animals of Group 3.The finding here of a similar CT response after Ca stimulation in both paretic and non-paretic cows demonstrates that the C-cells in both groups of animals have the same capacity to secrete CT.