Abstract
Blood flow in the lower leg was measured following administration of elcatonin (a synthetic derivative of eel calcitonin) . The subjects were 28 men and women who had been hospitalized for the treatment of osteoporosis, and all were to receive elcatonin. All subjects consented to the measurement of blood flow in the lower leg. Eight healthy female volunteers were assigned to the control group. Blood flow was measured prior to and six hours following administration of elcatonin. Both flow and mass increased significantly following administration of elcatonin. Both flow and mass measurements prior to administration of elcatonin were put in order according to value, starting with the lowest; the first 14 measurements were grouped together as the low measurement groups while the remaining measurements the formed the high measurement groups. Both flow and mass increased significantly in the low measurement groups. These results demonstrate that elcatonin increases blood flow in areas of decreased flow while maintaining existing blood flow in areas where the flow is normal. It is known that calcitonin preparations alleviate pain and inhibit bone resorption. The results of this study suggest that they also increase blood flow and dilate blood vessels where there is decreased blood flow.
