Substance P upregulates osteoclastogenesis by activating nuclear factor kappa B in osteoclast precursors

SP upregulates osteoclastogenesis by activating NF-kappaB in osteoclast precursors.Osteoclastic bone resorption is a common finding of otitis media with or without cholesteatoma. Factors upregulating osteoclastogenesis are implicated in bone resorption. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of substance P (SP) on mouse osteoclastogenesis in vitro.The SP dose response was analyzed in a mouse osteoclast culture induced by macrophage colony-stimulating factor and receptor activator for nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) ligand. Western blot analysis was performed to elucidate the subcellular target of SP in osteoclastogenesis.Treatment with SP significantly increased osteoclastogenesis compared to control. SP activated nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB, which is an essential event in osteoclastogenesis in osteoclast precursors (bone marrow macrophages).