Metabolic studies of human bone in vitro. II. Changes in hyperparathyroidism.

Abstract

Two types of metabolic change found in vitro in bone from hyperparathyroid patients have been presented. These are interpreted as manifestations of differing degrees of overactivity of the parathyroids, one group reflecting intermittent, and the other continuous, hypersecretion of parathyroid hormone. The intermittent group is characterized by a depression of proline utilization for collagen synthesis occurring with a modest increase in oxygen consumption. The continuous group is characterized by larger increases in oxygen utilization, increased lactate production, and increased utilization of proline for collagen synthesis togather with raised levels of serum alkaline phosphatase and urinary hydroxyproline. The significance of these changes is discussed in relation to the actions of the hormone and to the clinical presentation and diagnosis of the disease. Some partial support for this hypothesis is provided by animal experiments.