Thanks Mike, That was my limited understanding. I have to go right now but
will do some more research later. Paula

> >BTW Fosamax does not build bone at all. It stops the osteoclasts from
doing
> >their job of taking away deteriorated bone, thus deteriorated bone is
left
> >in the matrix.
> >Paula
>
> It is my understanding that the role of osteoclasts is to break down
> bone itself.  One of the mechanisms by which parathyroid hormone
> raises blood calcium is by stimulating osteoclasts.  Also, calcitonin
> has its effect of lowering blood calcium by inhibiting osteoclastic
> activity.  Is this not correct?  It is not my understanding that
> osteoclasts clean up the debris after the bone has already been
> broken down.
>
> Mike
> --