THE EFFECT OF COPPER AND FLUORIDE ON THE BONE OF MICE TREATED WITH PARATHYROID HORMONE

Abstract

SUMMARY: Young mice were injected with 12 units of parathyroid hormone/10 g. body weight, and ash, calcium, phosphorus and uptake of radioactive calcium in their femurs were determined. Administration of the hormone resulted in a decrease of bone ash, calcium and phosphorus, and increased incorporation of radioactive calcium. These results point to the possibility that calcium turnover in bone may be increased after treatment with parathyroid hormone and that bone destruction is more intensive than formation. Supplementation of the diet with 10–40 mg. copper or 10–50 mg. fluorine/kg. diet counteracted the effect of parathyroid hormone on bone. The highest doses of copper and fluorine used abolished the effect of the hormone completely. The possible mechanisms of action of these elements are discussed.