Studies on osteoporoses. XI. Effects of a methylxanthine derivative. A preliminary report

Heparin (500 U/kg s.c. B.I.D.) induced significant osteoporosis in C3H/St(Ha) female mice after 3 months of treatment. Pentoxifylline (12 mg/kg i.m. B.I.D.) prevented this experimental osteoporosis. Osteoporosis was measured by in vivo neutron activation analysis and results were confirmed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Pentoxifylline (0.1-100 microgram/ml) increased calcium uptake and cAMP production in osteoblast-like bone cells isolated from fetal Sprague-Dawley rats. Theoretical implications for osteoblast control of bone resorption are discussed.