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Two Techniques to Create Hypoparathyroid Mice: Parathyroidectomy Using GFP Glands and Diphtheria-Toxin-Mediated Parathyroid Ablation
Published on: March 14, 2017
The effect of hypoparathyroidism on the aging skeleton
S Shukla1, T Gillespy, W C Thomas
1VA Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Long-standing hypoparathyroidism in women increased bone density, particularly cortical bone, as measured by dual photon absorptiometry. This suggests parathyroid function control may help treat osteoporosis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Bone Metabolism
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Elevated parathyroid hormone is common in the elderly, but its role in osteoporosis is unclear.
- Hypoparathyroidism, a condition of low parathyroid hormone, has been linked to increased bone density.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate bone mineral density in women with long-standing hypoparathyroidism.
- To determine if parathyroid function influences bone density and potentially osteoporosis.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and dual photon absorptiometry (DPA) were used to measure lumbar vertebrae bone mineral density.
- Bone mineral density was compared between seven women with hypoparathyroidism (duration ≥18 years) and age-matched normal women.
- Metacarpal roentgenograms were analyzed for bone differences.
Main Results:
- Dual photon absorptiometry showed bone mineral density 1.4–6.2 standard deviations above normal in hypoparathyroid subjects.
- Quantitative computed tomography revealed only a slight increase in vertebral trabecular bone density.
- The discrepancy suggests increased cortical bone, not trabecular bone, accounts for the higher DPA readings.
Conclusions:
- Long-standing hypoparathyroidism is associated with increased cortical bone density.
- These findings suggest that modulating parathyroid function could be a therapeutic strategy for osteoporosis.
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