Effects of parathyroid hormone on bone of thyroparathyroidectomized rats: an ultrastructural and enzymatic study

Osteoblasts and osteocytes in adult thyroparathyroidectomized (T(x)PT(x)) rats fed a low calcium vitamin D-free diet and given parathyroid (PTH) had ultrastructural evidence of increased activity compared to controls. Osteoblasts in PTH-treated rats had prominent rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatuses and large mitochondria. The plasma membranes were extensively convoluted and associated with initial loci of mineralization in osteoid. Osteocytes contained increased rough endoplasmic reticulum, well-developed Golgi apparatuses and large mitochondria. Lacunar walls were roughened, but osteocytic osteolysis was not observed. Osteoclasts were encountered more frequently in PTH-treated rats, but their ultrastructural features were similar to those of controls. Osteoblasts and osteocytes in controls appeared to be inactive cells lining quiescent mineral surfaces. Parathyroid hormone treatment increased serum calcium levels and urinary hydroxyproline excretion, indicating enhanced resorption of bone mineral and matrix. Bone alkaline phosphatase and calcium-adenosine triphosphatase activities were elevated after PTH treatment and may be related to increased calcium transport by bone cells. These findings were interpreted to suggest that PTH mobilizes bone mineral by osteoclasis and increases metabolic activity of the osteocyte-osteoblast pump.