BONE FORMATION IN HYPERCORTISONISM

Abstract

ABSTRACT Bone formation has been reported to be both low and high in hypercortisonism. The present report describes our efforts to elucidate this controversy. Five patients with hypercortisonism were given tetracycline to evaluate both the level and the rate of formation of new bone tissue. Specimens of bone were taken for biopsy. Measurements showed that the rate of formation is normal but the level is low, while resorption of bone is elevated. The study thus established that the abnormality of bone turnover in this disorder is of a depressed level of formation accompanied by increased resorption.