Effect of Calcitonin on Gastric Emptying and on Serum Insulin and Gastrin Concentrations After Ingestion of a Mixed Solid—Liquid Meal in Humans

In a double-blind placebo-controlled study, we examined the effect of calcitonin on gastric emptying, and on serum concentrations of gastrin, insulin, glucose, calcium, and phosphorus after a mixed solid-liquid meal in 11 healthy men. Synthetic salmon calcitonin was administered as a 415 pmol i.v. bolus injection followed by a 90-min infusion to reach an overall dose of 62.25 pmol/kg body mass. Gastric emptying of a radiolabeled meal was surveyed by means of a γ camera. A pronounced inhibition of gastric emptying with calcitonin was observed in all subjects (median gastric half emptying time 60.3 min after placebo versus 197.6 min after calcitonin; p < 0.001). Calcitonin did not affect the postprandial gastrin release, nor did it change significantly the serum calcium or phosphorus concentrations. A decreased postprandial insulin release by calcitonin (mean ± SEM area under the insulin curve 2,124.6 ± 382.0 min mU L after placebo versus 640.9 ± 124.0 min mU L after calcitonin; p < 0.002) was accompanied by a different pattern of serum glucose concentrations during the infusion of the hormone when compared to the situation with a placebo.We discuss potential mechanisms and clinical relevance of our findings.