[Bone metabolism in aromatase-knockout mice].
Aromatase is the sole enzyme which converts androgen into estrogen. We have reported that aromatase-knockout (ArKO) mice showed bone loss by increased bone resorption not only in female but also in male mice, suggesting essential roles of estrogen in bone metabolism in both sexes. When ArKO mice were orchidectomized (ORX) to induce a double deficiency of estrogen and androgen, ORX/ArKO mice showed severe osteopenia. In females, estrogen is major sex steroid for bone turnover. However, estrogen and androgen may play distinct roles in bone turnover of male mice before and after reaching sexual maturity.
Miyaura
Chisato
C
Department of Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science.