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Updated: May 16, 2026

Detection and Isolation of Apoptotic Bodies to High Purity
Published on: August 12, 2018
Osteocyte apoptosis
Robert L Jilka1, Brendon Noble, Robert S Weinstein
1Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Center for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, 4301 W. Markham, Slot 587, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA. rljilka@uams.edu
Abstract:
Apoptotic death of osteocytes was recognized over 15 years ago, but its significance for bone homeostasis has remained elusive. A new paradigm has emerged that invokes osteocyte apoptosis as a critical event in the recruitment of osteoclasts to a specific site in response to skeletal unloading, fatigue damage, estrogen deficiency and perhaps in other states where bone must be removed. This is accomplished by yet to be defined signals emanating from dying osteocytes, which stimulate neighboring viable osteocytes to produce osteoclastogenic cytokines. The osteocyte apoptosis caused by chronic glucocorticoid administration does not increase osteoclasts; however, it does negatively impact maintenance of bone hydration, vascularity, and strength.
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