What is the Origin of PTH 1-34?

The term PTH 1-34 is a precise biochemical nomenclature, denoting the Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) and specifying the amino acid sequence from position 1 to 34. The functional significance of this N-terminal sequence was discovered through structural analysis of the native hormone, which revealed that the receptor-binding and signaling domain was contained entirely within this shorter fragment. This discovery paved the way for its synthetic production as a pharmaceutical agent.

What is the Mechanism of PTH 1-34?

The therapeutic mechanism is based on the differential effect of intermittent versus continuous PTH signaling. Continuous elevation of native PTH promotes bone resorption, whereas the intermittent, pulsatile administration of the PTH 1-34 fragment preferentially stimulates the PTH receptor on osteoblasts. This selective activation increases the proliferation and lifespan of bone-forming cells, thereby shifting the balance of bone remodeling toward an anabolic state and increasing overall skeletal mass and strength.

PTH 1-34

Meaning

PTH 1-34 is the biologically active N-terminal fragment of the full-length 84-amino acid Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), representing the first thirty-four amino acids of the full peptide. This specific fragment retains the full bone-anabolic activity of the native hormone, making it a critical therapeutic agent in the management of severe osteoporosis. When administered intermittently, PTH 1-34 stimulates osteoblast activity, promoting new bone formation and significantly increasing bone mineral density.