Osteocytes use estrogen receptor α to respond to strain but their ERα content is regulated by estrogen

The role of mechanical strain and estrogen status in regulating ER alpha levels in bone cells was studied in female rats. OVX is associated with decreased ER alpha protein expression/osteocyte, whereas habitual strain and artificial loading has only a small but positive effect, except on the ulna's medial surface, where artificial loading stimulates reversal of resorption to formation.