Osteocytes · Histology

Mechanical unloading of bone (e.g., in spaceflight) leads to which change in osteocyte signaling?

  1. Decreased sclerostin production
  2. Increased collagen secretion
  3. Immediate differentiation into osteoblasts
  4. Increased sclerostin production
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Correct answer: Increased sclerostin production

In the absence of mechanical strain, osteocytes increase their production of sclerostin. This leads to a decrease in osteoblast activity and contributes to the bone loss (osteopenia) associated with unloading.

Difficulty: Medium Question 17 of 20

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