The pituitary-bone axis in bone metabolism / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

ABSTRACT

Recent studies have shown that pituitary hormones, including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle stimulating hormone(FSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH), and oxytocin(OT)may actually bypass their target endocrine organs and affect the skeleton directly. Therefore, a new conception, pituitary-bone axis is proposed. This breakthrough sheds a new light on the function of pituitary hormones and the pathogenesis of osteoporosis associated with hyperthyroidism, menopause or pregnancy, and even osteonecrosis after using glucocorticoids. In addition, it is conducive to give the reference guidance for clinical treatment of metabolic bone diseases and new drug development.