Growth hormone, osteoblasts, and marrow adipocytes: a case report

Though growth hormone stimulates markers of bone formation in adults, its in vivo effect on osteoblasts is unknown. We have used histomorphometry of fluorochrome-labeled iliac crest biopsies along with biochemical markers to assess bone formation and resorption rates before and after treatment with growth hormone (Genotropin; 3. 0 IU/day for 6 months) in combination with calcitonin (Miacalcin nasal: 200 IU daily) in a man with osteonecrosis and decreased spinal bone mineral density (BMD). Treatment resulted in increases in indices of bone formation and a marked increase in osteoblast number and osteoid surface, with a concomitant decrease in the number and size of marrow adipocytes. There was no change in spinal or total BMD. These data confirm the stimulatory effect of growth hormone on the osteoblast population and suggest that this may occur by the commitment of early precursor cells to the osteoblastic as opposed to the adipocytic lineage.