Short-term intermittent PTH 1-34 administration enhances bone formation in SCID/Beige mice (original) (raw)

Parathyroid hormone (Pth) is an 84 amino acid polypeptide secreted by parathyroid glands in response to low serum calcium. The exogenous administration of PTH can induce both anabolic and catabolic actions in bone; however, such consequences depend upon how PTH is administered. Continuous PTH infusion, similar to the condition of hyperparathyroidism, initiates bone catabolism by enhancing resorption and decreasing formation. In contrast, when administered intermittently (by daily injection), PTH promotes bone formation, as measured by increased bone mass and enhanced mechanical properties [1-5].