Dr. John Potts synthesized parathyroid hormone in the year 1974 at Massachusetts General Hospital. The hormone is known to produce bone tumors in animals. Parathyroid hormone is used for patients with low blood parathyroid hormone levels. 

The most common cause of bone loss is hyperactive parathyroid gland. New research shows how the consequences of excess parathyroid hormone affect body immune cells. The current research indicates a revisiting of using existing drugs for hyperparathyroidism.

A group of researchers at Emory University School of Medicine and University of Turin doctors, studied and observed human patients with overactive parathyroid. The drugs generally used in the condition are calcium channel blockers used for treatment of blood pressure. It is important to demonstrate the effectiveness of these drugs by conducting clinical trial. 

Regulation of calcium in blood is one of the primary function of parathyroid hormone produced by the parathyroid gland. Increased levels can lead to excessive blood calcium and lower bone calcium levels. In mice, parathyroid hormone increases the population of Th 17 cells and lead to inflammatory molecules which stimulate osteoclasts or the cells that break and rebuilt bones. 

T cells are important for increased parathyroid hormone and induction of bone loss. The new findings by the researchers indicate the importance of the subpopulation Th 17 in bone loss induced by parathyroid hormone. Further studies with IL 17 in human hyperparathyroidism can help in looking at the effects of calcium channel blockers and its effect on bone loss.