SUMMARY: A possible role of the adenyl cyclase system in calcitonin (CT) release has been investigated by measurement of the rate of CT secretion in isolated porcine thyroid glands perfused in situ. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP increased the rate of secretion of CT and this effect was enhanced by theophylline. Concentrations of glucagon as low as 1·4 nm (5 ng/ml) induced a significant increase in the rate of CT secretion when precautions were taken to prevent enzymic degradation of glucagon. This stimulatory effect of glucagon on CT secretion was also increased by theophylline. Significant stimulation of CT release was demonstrated with adrenaline in the presence of α-adrenergic blockade with phentolamine and could be inhibited by β-adrenergic blockade with propranolol. In contrast, thyrotrophin, tri-iodothyronine, serotonin, parathyroid hormone and cyclic guanosine monophosphate had no significant acute effects on CT secretion. It is suggested that the C-cells of the thyroid gland contain an adenyl cyclase system similar to that described in other tissues and that physiological concentrations of glucagon and catecholamines may influence the response of the C-cell to plasma calcium concentration.