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Updated: May 14, 2026
07:22
Obtaining Primary Osteocytes Through Murine Calvarial Fractionation of GFP-Expressing Osteocytes
Published on: June 2, 2020
Osteocytes remove and replace perilacunar mineral during reproductive cycles
1Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, TAC S131, PO Box 208020, New Haven, CT 06520-8020, USA. john.wysolmerski@yale.edu
Bone
|January 29, 2013
Summary
During lactation, osteocytes (bone cells) remodel their microenvironment, contributing to skeletal calcium release. This research revisits the role of osteocytes in bone remodeling and calcium homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Bone Biology
- Mineral Metabolism
- Reproductive Physiology
Background:
- Lactation increases calcium demand, leading to bone loss and recovery cycles.
- Bone loss during lactation is linked to elevated parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) and reduced estrogen.
- The precise regulation of bone turnover during lactation remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential contribution of osteocytes to bone loss during lactation.
- To re-evaluate the concept of osteocytic osteolysis in the context of reproductive cycles.
Main Methods:
- Examined osteocyte activity in response to lactation-induced hormonal changes and calcium demands.
- Assessed perilacunar and pericanalicular matrix remodeling by osteocytes.
Main Results:
- Osteocytes demonstrate remodeling of their surrounding matrix (perilacunar and pericanalicular).
- Osteocytes actively participate in releasing skeletal calcium stores during reproductive cycles.
Conclusions:
- Osteocytes play a role in bone remodeling and calcium liberation during lactation.
- These findings suggest osteocytes are involved in coordinating bone and mineral metabolism, with implications for post-weaning bone recovery and overall homeostasis.
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