The effects of androgens on osteoblast function in vitro

The relative contributions of androgens and estrogen to bone metabolism are still being defined. To directly assess androgen effects on bone cells, we have developed human osteoblastic cell models expressing the androgen receptor. This approach is distinct from studies that have used a variety of transformed cell lines, in that the latter studies showed variability in the results. Investigation into androgen effects on bone has been overshadowed by interest in estrogen effects.