Differential effects of continuous and transient treatment with parathyroid hormone related peptide (PTHrp) on bone collagen synthesis.

Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrp), a polypeptide synthesized by tumors associated with hypercalcemia and known to cause bone resorption, was examined for its effects on bone formation in cultures of 21-day fetal rat calvariae. Continuous treatment with PTHrp for 24-72 h stimulated DNA synthesis, but inhibited [3H] proline incorporation into collagen by about 50%. In contrast, transient exposure to PTHrp at 0.1-1.0 nM for 24 h followed by removal of the factor for 48 h caused an increase in [3H]proline incorporation into collagen and noncollagen protein by 2- and 1.6-fold, respectively. The stimulatory effect was seen in the periosteum-free bone, and was decreased, but not prevented by hydroxyurea. PTHrp at 1-10 nM for 24 h increased medium insulin-like growth factor (IGF) I levels by 2.5-4.4-fold, and the effect was sustained 48 h after the removal of the agent. An IGF I neutralizing antibody prevented the stimulatory effect of PTHrp on bone collagen synthesis. PTH had the same stimulatory effects as those of PTHrp on bone collagen synthesis and IGF I concentrations, although slightly lower doses were needed to observe the enhancement of [3H]proline incorporation into collagen. It is concluded that continuous treatment with PTHrp inhibits, whereas transient treatment stimulates, collagen synthesis; the stimulatory effect appears mediated by an enhancement in the local production of IGF I.