In the submitted review the author discusses the anabolic effect of intermittently administered parathormone on bone which is a new alternative in the treatment of osteoporosis. While permanent exposure to parathormone leads to hyperparathyroidism associated with bone resorption and loss of bone mass, intermittent administration of parathormone (i.e. once per day) induces paradoxically increased mineralization of bone trabeculae,endostealandperiosteal surfaces. As an anabolic factor PTH (parathormone) has a much greater therapeutic potential than antiresorptive substances. Stimulation of bone formation by rhPTH 1-34 (recombinant human parathormone) was proved, which leads to greater firmness of bone and reduces the frequency of fractures.Recombinanthuman parathormone (1-34) (rhPTH(1-34)) administered once per day increases the BMD and reduces the frequency of fractures in the area of vertebral bodies. RhPTH 1-34 enhances lamellar bone apposition even at a lower bone turnover. An increase was proved in the region of trabecular and cortical bone without an increase of porosity of cortical bone and also an incresed connectivity of osseous trabeculae was proved which means thatPTHleads to an increase of bone quantity aswell as quality. PTH has an anabolic effect on cortical bone as well as on trabeculae. From studies, quoted in the paper an increase of bone density (BMD) in the spinal region during PTH therapy is apparent in men and women. This increase in BMD values is clearly higher than the observed increase of BMD in antiresorptive treatment. Bone markers indicate an increase of values of proformative markers which is followed by an increase of proresorption markers. In the course of time markers of the bone turnover have a tendency to return to baseline values while another increase of BMD is under way. PTH can be used for the treatment of men with primary osteoporosis. PTH leads to a dramatic increase of bone mass in the area of the lumbar spine and hip joint also in postmenopausal women with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Clear evidence was provided of an association between PTH treatment and a reduced incidence of fractures. The author mentions also studies with PTH treatment; their results are presented and commented.

        Key words: osteoporosis, parathormone