Effect of estrogen on acidification in osteoclasts

Isolated chicken osteoclasts were neutralized with NH4Cl, then recovery of acid formation was monitored by measuring acridine orange fluorescence over a period of 4 hrs. Estradiol-17 beta and diethylstilbestrol (DES), in nanomolar amounts, blocked acidification 20% to 60%. Effects were detectable in 30 min and maximal by one hr. Estradiol-17 alpha was ineffective. This action of estradiol is believed to be mediated at the plasma membrane since the response was rapid and was not affected by cycloheximide inhibition of protein synthesis. Stimulation of acidification by PTH and cyclic AMP was blocked by estradiol. Estradiol was inhibitory to the same extent as calcitonin; these effects were not additive. Estradiol-17 beta and DES, in micromolar but not in nanomolar amounts, blocked proton pumping in isolated plasma membrane vesicles.