Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP)

The PTH-like peptide (PTHrP) by its structure resembles a fragment of the parathormone molecule. Parathormone (PTH) is produced by the parathyroid glands and is involved in the regulation of calcium metabolism PTH-like peptide exhibits almost the same action as parathormone - it releases calcium from the bones and increases its absorption in the kidneys, without affecting the absorption of calcium from the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in an increase in serum calcium concentrations. PTHrP is produced by some cancers, and can be formed in the the course of leukemia and lymphoma. Persistently high concentrations of serum calcium, especially in cancer patients, is an indication for PTHrP determination.