Effect of calcitonin administration on young pig trabecular bone remodeling

Ten-week-old pigs were treated with 4 different treatment schedules of porcine calcitonin for 2 months. Groups C1 and C4 received continuous treatment: C1 had daily IM injections (4 IU/kg/BW (body weight) each injection), and C4 was infused with a minipump implanted subcutaneously delivering 4 IU/kg/BW/day. Groups C2 and C3 received intermittent calcitonin treatment (each injection 4 IU/kg/BW): C2 was given 1 out of every four days, C3 was injected 5 consecutive days out of 20 days. The total dosage received in C1 versus C4 and C2 versus C3 were the same. Results were evaluated by histomorphometry after double tetracycline labeling on iliac trabecular bone. Resorption surfaces were decreased in groups C2, C3 and C4, but bone volume, osteoclast surfaces, and interstitial bone thickness were not modified in any group receiving calcitonin. Osteoblast and mineralizing surfaces were increased in group C2, C3 and C4. Plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentration and bone formation rate were increased in groups C2 and C4. Plasma immunoreactive parathyroid hormone levels and parathyroid weights were not increased in any treated groups. In conclusion, 2-month calcitonin treatment did not decrease the amount of bone resorbed in growing pigs. Continuous calcitonin infusion and intermittent calcitonin administration induced an increase in the extent of active bone formation which might be in part dependent on an increased production of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D.