The Physiological Function of the Sympathetic Nervous System in Modulating Bone Resorption

Abstract. The vertebrate skeleton is richly innervated with adrenergic and peptidergic nerve terminals, and these play important roles in bone remodeling. Recent studies have generally shown that increased sympathetic nervous activity causes bone loss via an increase in bone resorption and a decreas...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Pharmacological Sciences 2008-04, Vol.106 (4), p.542-546
Main Authors: Akifumi Togari, Michitsugu Arai
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Abstract. The vertebrate skeleton is richly innervated with adrenergic and peptidergic nerve terminals, and these play important roles in bone remodeling. Recent studies have generally shown that increased sympathetic nervous activity causes bone loss via an increase in bone resorption and a decrease in bone formation. Increased bone resorption is based on the stimulation of both osteoclast formation and osteoclast activity. These effects are associated with β2-adrenergic activity toward both osteoblastic and osteoclastic cells. Such findings indicate that β-blockers may be effective against osteoporosis, in which case there is increased sympathetic activity. This review summarizes evidence obtained both in vitro and in vivo implicating sympathetic neuron action in bone resorption.
ISSN:1347-8613
DOI:10.1254/jphs.fm0070227