Effect of mithramycin on bone beta-glucuronidase and resorption.

Mithramycin suppresses bone resorption. Its effect on the synthesis and release of beta-glucuronidase (a referent for lysosomal enzymes) in mouse calvarial explants was studied in an in vitro culture system. A newly described medium (designated as KT medium) was introduced in this specific study. Mithramycin initially inhibited the release of beta-glucuronidase into the medium and resulted in an ultimate accumulation of this enzyme in the bone. These results suggest that inhibition of bone resorption by mithramycin may be attributed to interference in release of lysosomal enzymes from bone cells.