Inhibitory effect of CGRP on osteoclast formation by mouse bone marrow cells treated with isoproterenol

The present study was designed to elucidate the mode of action of isoproterenol (Isp; adrenergic β-agonist) and to characterize the effect of the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP; sensory neuropeptide) on osteoclast formation induced by Isp in a mouse bone marrow culture system. Treatment of mouse bone marrow cells with Isp generated tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinuclear cells (MNCs) capable of excavating resorptive pits on dentine slices, and caused an increase in receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and a decrease in osteoprotegerin (OPG) production by the marrow cells. The osteoclast formation was significantly inhibited by OPG, suggesting the involvement of the RANKL-RANK system. CGRP inhibited the osteoclast formation caused by Isp or soluble RANKL (s-RANKL) but had no influence on RANKL or OPG production by the bone marrow cells treated with Isp, suggesting that CGRP inhibited the osteoclast formation by interfering with the action of RANKL produced by the Isp-treated bone marrow cells without affecting RANKL or OPG production. This in vitro data suggest the physiological interaction of sympathetic and sensory nerves in osteoclastogenesis in vivo.