Effects of calcitonin on bone quality and osteoblastic function

In conclusion, there is considerable support for the thesis that, in addition to its inhibitory effects on bone resorption, calcitonin enhances osteoblastic bone formation both in vitro and in vivo. These data are compatible with the presence of calcitonin receptors in a variety of osteoblast-like cell lines [37]. The chronic effects of calcitonin to increase BMD may be related in part to anabolic osteoblastic actions of calcitonin. Agents that exclusively inhibit bone resorption can cause a secondary decrease in bone formation due to the coupling of resorption and formation. The putative anabolic osteoblastic effect of calcitonin may be of clinical importance in sustaining the bone formation rate despite inhibition of bone resorption.