Hormonal regulation and calcium metabolism in the rabbit.

Calcium is an important mineral in homeostasis in all vertebrate animals. It is the most abundant mineral in the body, and is the major component of bones and teeth. In addition, calcium is involved in various vital physiologic processes, including blood coagulation, muscle contraction, membrane permeability, nerve conduction, enzyme activity, and hormone release. Calcium metabolism in the rabbit differs in several respects from that of most mammals. This article discusses calcium metabolism and its hormonal regulation in the rabbit, as compared with normal calcium metabolism in other mammalian species. Medical disorders associated with this unique metabolism are introduced briefly.