Current concepts of the metabolism and radioimmunoassay of parathyroid hormone

Two major hormonal system (PTH and vitamin D) and a minor system (calcitonin) are responsible for the regulation of calcium homeostasis. Serum ionized calcium is maintained within narrow limits by the intereactions of these hormonal systems and their effects on the intestine, the kidney, and the skeleton. The editorial describes in a succinct form, general aspects of PTH metabolism in view of recent information regarding the contributions of the liver, kidney, and bone to the degradation of PTH. On the basis of information accumulated concerning the peripheral metabolism of PTH, the different RIAs for PTH are also discussed.