Disuse osteoporosis in humans and higher mammals results from elevated bone resorption. Thus, targeting osteoclasts with antiresorptive agents like bisphosphonate to prevent bone loss is a key strategy. While anti-resorptive drugs have been the cornerstones of osteoporosis therapy, anabolic agents, such as PTH, that stimulate bone formation represent an important new advance in the treatment of osteoporosis. We hypothesize that PTH may be especially valuable in reversing disuse if the deterioration of bone architecture can be slowed such that the anabolic agent has a better initial bone scaffold on which to work.

The studies examine whether bone that remains after bisphosphonate-treatment during long-term immobilization can recover its architecture and mechanical function after restoration of mechanical usage (remobilization). We will then assess whether addition of anabolic PTH during immobilization will improve recovery of disuse bone. Recovery after long-term disuse with bisphosphonate treatment will be examined in an immobilization model. MicroCT imaging will be used to evaluate microstructure, biomechanical testing to assess function and histomorphometry to measure tissue physiological responses.

Disuse osteoporosis in humans and higher mammals results from elevated bone resorption. Thus, targeting osteoclasts with antiresorptive agents like bisphosphonate to prevent bone loss is a key strategy. While anti-resorptive drugs have been the cornerstones of osteoporosis therapy, anabolic agents, such as PTH, that stimulate bone formation represent an important new advance in the treatment of osteoporosis. We hypothesize that PTH may be especially valuable in reversing disuse if the deterioration of bone architecture can be slowed such that the anabolic agent has a better initial bone scaffold on which to work.

The studies examine whether bone that remains after bisphosphonate-treatment during long-term immobilization can recover its architecture and mechanical function after restoration of mechanical usage (remobilization). We will then assess whether addition of anabolic PTH during immobilization will improve recovery of disuse bone. Recovery after long-term disuse with bisphosphonate treatment will be examined in an immobilization model. MicroCT imaging will be used to evaluate microstructure, biomechanical testing to assess function and histomorphometry to measure tissue physiological responses.

Disuse osteoporosis in humans and higher mammals results from elevated bone resorption. Thus, targeting osteoclasts with antiresorptive agents like bisphosphonate to prevent bone loss is a key strategy. While anti-resorptive drugs have been the cornerstones of osteoporosis therapy, anabolic agents, such as PTH, that stimulate bone formation represent an important new advance in the treatment of osteoporosis. We hypothesize that PTH may be especially valuable in reversing disuse if the deterioration of bone architecture can be slowed such that the anabolic agent has a better initial bone scaffold on which to work.

The studies examine whether bone that remains after bisphosphonate-treatment during long-term immobilization can recover its architecture and mechanical function after restoration of mechanical usage (remobilization). We will then assess whether addition of anabolic PTH during immobilization will improve recovery of disuse bone. Recovery after long-term disuse with bisphosphonate treatment will be examined in an immobilization model. MicroCT imaging will be used to evaluate microstructure, biomechanical testing to assess function and histomorphometry to measure tissue physiological responses.

Our studies a structurally-based ultrasound for the prediction of mechanical properties bone are ongoing. Studies on the bone tissues from the current resorption suppression/remobilization + PTH experiments will be performed as these tissues become available.