Kinetic studies of bone and mineral metabolism during treatment with (3-amino-1-hydroxypropylidene)-1,1-bisphosphonate (APD) in rats.

Dose-related effects of APD on bone metabolism and Ca homeostasis were studied in rats. The experimental approach consisted of longitudinal and cross-sectional observations, aiming at a kinetic interpretation. Bone and cartilage resorption was inhibited with 2--8 days at doses between 0.16 and 16 mumol/kg body weight/day. This was followed by changes in bone apposition that needed at least 23 days for a maximal effect. The time lag created a transient dissociation between resorption and apposition resulting in excess Ca and P retention, adding to increased metaphyseal bone mass. At high doses of APD (greater than or equal to 40 mumol/kg/day)the mineral content of new matrix decreased, associated with impairment of longitudinal growth of long bones. It is concluded that the lower doses of APD inhibited resorption of bone and cartilage, possibly by physicochemical stabilization of bone mineral, whereas the effect on bone apposition was due to a cellular homeostatic mechanism. Inhibition of growth and of matrix calcification, requiring much higher doses, may be due to a direct, toxic effect on bone cells. The modes of action of APD are discussed in relation to EHDP and Cl2MDP.