Physiologic and Pharmacologic Regulation of Bone Resorption

Abstract

CURRENT research has emphasized the importance of changes in hone resorption, not only in the regulation of calcium homeostasis, but also in the pathogenesis and therapy of metabolic bone disease. Only a few of the many agents that affect bone resorption are physiologic regulators (Table 1) — that is, factors that act directly on bone-resorbing cells, maintain homeostasis in the presence of a deficiency or excess of calcium and are essential for bone growth and remodeling. Thyroxine, glucocorticoids, growth hormone and pyrophosphate (as well as substances yet to be discovered), may be added to this list as evidence accumulates concerning . . .