Serum calcium and inorganic phosphorus levels of the freshwater snake Sinonatrix piscator (formerly Natrix piscator) in response to calcitonin treatment

Abstract

The effects of administration of salmon calcitonin (0.25 Medical Research Council mU/g body wt.) on serum calcium and inorganic phosphate levels were investigated in Sinonatrix piscator for 15 days. The treatment evoked progressive hypocalcemia (from day 1 to day 5) and hypophosphatemia (from day 1 to day 3). Thereafter, these responses decreased and normal levels were regained.