A human stanniocalcin-alpha polypeptide and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptide and a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptide for the regulation of electrolyte imbalances which can lead to renal, bone and heart diseases and osteoporosis and Paget's Disease. Antagonists against such polypeptides and their use in the regulation of electrolyte imbalances which can lead to hypocalcemia and osteoporosis are also disclosed. Use of the stanniocalcin-alpha sequence as a diagnostic to detect diseases or the susceptibility to diseases related to a mutated form of stanniocalcin-alpha sequences is also disclosed.