Answer
A drug that depresses the activity of osteoclasts may have the effect of suppressing the progress of osteoporosis, because osteoclasts are the bone cells that are responsible for resorption of the extracellular matrix of bone.
Work Step by Step
Osteoclasts dissolve calcified cartilage and extracellular matrix of bones by secreting lysozymes, proteases, and HCl which act to dissolve both proteins and minerals simultaneously. Osteoporosis may be due to destruction of bone matrix, as well as to insufficient matrix deposition. When osteoporosis due to matrix loss secondary to increased activity of osteoclasts, bone loss may be slowed by treatment with osteoclast inhibiting drugs like Fosamax, Boniva and Actonel.
