Diphenylhydantoin inhibits parathyroid hormone and prostaglandin E2-stimulated bone resorption in mouse calvaria without affecting cyclic AMP formation.

The effect of diphenylhydantoin (DPH) on mouse calvarial bone metabolism was studied in vitro. DPH caused a dose-dependent, reversible inhibition of PTH and PGE2-stimulated bone resorption at concentrations above 20-30 micrograms/ml without affecting cyclic AMP formation. The inhibition was observed already after 60 min and was accompanied by a reduced release of the lysosomal enzymes beta-glucuronidase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase. The calcium antagonist Verapamil had similar effects on bone resorption and lysosomal enzyme release and it is suggested that DPH influences bone resorption by interfering with calcium fluxes across osteoclastic cell membranes resulting in low intracellular calcium levels and reduced exocytotic processes.