Osteocytes and Bone Metastasis

Osteocytes: a proposed multifunctional bone cell.

Most cell types are ascribed a single function. The osteoclast holds the unique distinction of performing only one function in the body - that of resorbing bone. The osteoblast has been ascribed the major function of bone matrix production. Other less well-defined cell types include progenitor cells and the nebulous cell type that can support osteoclast formation upon stimulation with various b...

Osteocytes link bone maintenance to blood homeostasis.

O steocytes are the most abundant cell type in the bone, comprising more than 90% of all cells within the bone matrix or on bone surfaces. Osteocytes are derived from osteoblasts and are entombed in the bone matrix during bone deposition. Osteocytes were originally thought to be rather inert cells whose function was limited to maintaining bone matrix locally. However, osteocytes are connected t...

Regulation of Bone Homeostasis by Osteocytes.

New data concerning the function of osteocytes as the central regulators of bone homeostasis are briefly outlined. It is established that osteocytes are the main target cells for parathormone. They are a rich source of sclerostin, the main inhibitor of osteoblast activity, and of the RANKL cytokine, the most important regulator of osteoclastogenesis. Under shear stress causing microinjury, oste...

Life history of osteocytes: relationship to bone age, bone remodeling, and bone fragility.

Bone metastasis and rehabilitation.

Patients with cancer that has metastasized to bone will frequently develop functional problems that may respond to rehabilitative treatment. Many rehabilitation professionals, however, are concerned about the possibility of producing pathologic fracture with their treatment. Several methods have been proposed for identifying which malignant lesions in bone are at risk of fracture. In this artic...