Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 January 2017
Although the importance of calcium and magnesium homoeostasis has beenrecognized for many years the precise mechanisms by which this is achievedare still not clearly understood. Over recent years interest in bloodcalcium regulation has been stimulated by the discovery, isolation andsynthesis of calcitonin. Its significance in normal adults, however, remainsin some doubt (vide infra). In this paper is outlined ourpresent knowledge of the endocrine factors which help to regulate thecontrol of plasma calcium and magnesium concentration in ruminants throughthe operation of negative feedback mechanisms. Mention will also be made ofthose hormones which, although capable of altering the plasma concentrationsof either calcium or magnesium, are secreted independently of theseconcentrations. It will be seen that in many instances the chemicalsimilarity between calcium and magnesium is reflected in hormone effects orin hormone secretion rates. However, this is not always found to be so, e.g.the control of calcitonin secretion appears to be affected in differentdirections by plasma calcium and magnesium concentrations.