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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Osteoclast Derivation from Mouse Bone Marrow

Osteoclast Derivation from Mouse Bone Marrow

Published on: November 6, 2014

Reproductive hormones and bone.

Kristy M Nicks¹, Tristan W Fowler, Dana Gaddy

¹Departments of Physiology and Biophysics and Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham, Slot 505, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA. Nicks.Kristy@mayo.edu

Current Osteoporosis Reports

|April 29, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis influences bone health through hormones like GnRH, LH, FSH, oxytocin, and prolactin. We propose extending the HPG axis to the HPG skeletal (HPGS) axis to include bone effects.

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Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

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Exploring Independent Effects of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone In Vivo in a Mouse Model

Published on: August 11, 2023

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Bone Biology
Reproductive Biology

Background:

The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis regulates ovarian function via gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
Pituitary hormones like FSH, oxytocin, and prolactin also impact skeletal homeostasis, influencing osteoblast and osteoclast activity.
Gonadal hormones (inhibins, estrogen, androgens) modulate bone turnover and protect against bone loss.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the intricate relationship between the HPG axis hormones and skeletal regulation.
To propose an expanded model of the HPG axis that incorporates its direct and indirect effects on bone.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on hormonal regulation of ovarian function and skeletal metabolism.
Analysis of the interplay between HPG axis hormones and bone-active hormones.
Conceptual model development.

Main Results:

FSH influences osteoclast development and bone turnover.
Oxytocin promotes osteoblastogenesis, while prolactin has age-dependent skeletal effects.
Continuous exposure to gonadal hormones is anabolic and protective against bone loss.

Conclusions:

Alterations within the HPG axis impact other bone-active hormones, highlighting a complex feedback loop.
The HPG axis's influence on the skeleton warrants its recognition as the HPG skeletal (HPGS) axis.