# REGULATION OF BONE RESORPTION

> **NIH NIH R01** · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · 1991 · $217,038

## Abstract

Complete understanding of the regulation of bone resorption by
hormones and drugs could provide a rational basis for the
treatment of metabolic bone diseases involving increased bone
resorption (e.g. osteoporosis and Paget's disease) and of
inflammatory bone lysis (e.g. periodontal disease and rheumatoid
arthritis).  Such information would also be useful for the problem
of unpredictable bone graft resorption.

New experimental models are needed to demonstrate the origin,
differentiation, and regulation of bone resorbing cells.  We have
developed a model for osteoclastic bone resorption.  The
subcutaneous implantation of mineral-containing, devitalized bone
particles (BP) in rats induces the appearance of multinucleated
cells that have many features of in osso osteoclasts.  These cells
can be distinguished from foreign body giant cells elicited by
particulate polymethylmethacrylate because only the former
express tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity, calcitonin
receptors, and ruffled borders overlying the bone substrate being
resorbed.  Using these models, we propose to investigate various
aspects of the biology of the osteoclast:  its differentiation,
mechanisms of bone resorption, and regulation by bone-active
agents.  The specific aims are to characterize the process of
differentiation of osteoclasts induced by bone particles, to
determine the role of mast cells and lymphocytes and the effect
of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents in their differentiation
and activity, and to elucidate the mechanism of PTH's effects on
resorption.  The methods to be used include histomorphometrics,
electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry, cell culture,
evaluation of calcitonin receptors, and biochemical assessment of
tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity.  By evaluating the
sequence of differentiation of these osteoclasts and foreign body
giant cells, we will test the hypothesis that they have separate
progenitor cells.  Furthermore, the mechanism of the effects of
parathyroid hormone and of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory cells
on differentiation and cellular activity will be determined.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3156035
- **Project number:** 5R01AR031330-08
- **Recipient organization:** BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- **SAM.gov UEI:** QN6MS4VN7BD1
- **Principal Investigator:** JULIANNE GLOWACKI
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1991
- **Award amount:** $217,038
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1988-07-01 → 1994-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3156035

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3156035, REGULATION OF BONE RESORPTION (5R01AR031330-08). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-24 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3156035. Licensed CC0.

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