Calcitonin secretion in streak gonad syndrome (Turner's syndrome)

Abstract

Osteoporosis in one of the most common complications of streak gonad syndrome (SGS), however, its pathogenesis is still unclear. To test whether SGS is associated with calcitonin (CT) deficiency, 11 affected individuals and 8 age-matched healthy women were studied. Calcium, 3.6 mg/kg b.w. as a 10% solution of calcium chloride, was given intravenously for 3 minutes. Serum levels of CT and calcium were measured before and at 5, 30, 60, and 120 minutes after the injection. There was a statistically significant rise in serum calcium levels both in the control subjects and patients with SGS, with significantly lower levels prior to and at 30, 60, and 120 minutes following calcium load in the control group. The CT rise following calcium load was also significant at 5, 30, and 60 minutes in the controls and at 5 and 30 minutes in patients with SGS, with a significantly lower baseline and 30, 60, and 120 minutes levels in the latter group. Maximum levels of calcium and CT occurred 5 minutes after the calcium load and were statistically indistinguishable. There were no significant differences in either the calcium or the CT incremental changes between the two groups. These findings are consistent with decreased basal (and 30-120 minute) CT levels in SGS and suggest that CT deficiency may be involved in the development of osteoporosis in patients with SGS. The possible causal relationship of estrogen deficiency to the reduced CT levels in SGS is discussed.

Skeletal Maturation in Streak Gonad Syndrome

“…It is well estab lished that bone formation is a complex pro cess regulated by a series of humoral and local factors [13,14]. We measured serum levels of the parathyroid hormone, calcito nin, vitamin D metabolites, glycocorticoids, thyroid hormones and prolactin in patients with SGS and found an impaired calcitonin secretion [15,16]. The clinical implication of this finding in relation to bone maturation is not clear since calcitonin docs not have a direct or indirect effect on the bone forma tion [17], Although there are some data sug gesting that growth hormone secretion is im paired in a number of cases of SGS [5,18], bone retardation does not seem to be related to growth hormone deficiency.…”

Bone Mineral Density in Turner Syndrome: Relation to GH Treatment and Estrogen Treatment

“…Zseli et al reported that a decreased basal level of calcitonin was reported in 11 untreated subjects with Turner syndrome [8]. Turner women may need not only estrogen replacement but also other treatments (intake of calcium, other medication etc.)…”