Prostacyclin in bone metabolism

Nakalekha et al. investigated skeletal abnormalities in young and adult prostacyclin-deficient mice. Increased bone mass in adult prostacyclin-deficient mice was associated with increases in bone formation and resorption. This suggests that prostacyclin deficiency accelerates high bone turnover activity with a greater increase in bone mass associated with ageing. This imbalance was reversed in knockout animals by the insertion of prostacyclin synthase overexpression. Prostacyclin may act as a regulator in maintaining normal bone mass and micro-architecture. Nakalekha et al., Journal of Endocrinology.

DOI: 10.1677/JOE-09-0376