Natriuretic and diuretic effects of salmon calcitonin in rats

Injection of salmon calcitonin into rats caused a significant increase in the excretion of sodium and water in a dose as small as 4 × 10−9 g. There appeared to be a linear relationship between sodium excretion and the log dose of calcitonin. Potassium excretion and free-water clearance were not significantly affected. Thyroparathyroidectomized rats showed no impairment in their ability to excrete sodium either before or after saline loading.