Regulation of Bone Formation

Abstract

GlucocorticoidsGlucocorticoids have complex effects on calcium regulation and bone metabolism. Clinically, glucocorticoid excess causes impaired skeletal growth and decreased bone mass.²⁵ Yet it seems likely that glucocorticoids have a physiologic role in regulating bone growth. Glucocorticoid excess decreases the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate and increases their renal excretion. These effects can produce secondary hyperparathyroidism and might be expected to produce osteomalacia. However, the osteopenia associated with glucocorticoids is termed osteoporosis because there is no obvious defect in mineralization. This may be because glucocorticoids also inhibit the formation of new matrix, so that wide osteoid seams do not . . .