Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are members of the nuclear steroid hormone superfamily and exist in three isoforms: PPARalpha, beta and gamma, each with specific functions. In this study, we have investigated the expression of PPARs by human osteoclast precursors and osteoclasts generated in vitro. In addition, the effects of fibrates and isoform-specific PPAR agonists on osteoclast formation and resorption in vitro were determined. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with human recombinant RANKL and M-CSF to generate osteoclasts. RNA was extracted at days 0, 7, 14 and 21 and RT-PCR for all three PPAR isoforms demonstrated their expression throughout this culture period. To determine the effect on osteoclast formation, PPAR agonists (10(-8) M to 10(-5) M) were added from the beginning of the culture until day 14 and the number of multinucleated osteoclasts counted. The effect of PPAR agonists on osteoclast function was similarly determined by treating mature, multinucleated osteoclasts cultured on dentine wafers with PPAR agonists (10(-8) M to 10(-5) M) for 7 days and quantifying resorption. Bezafibrate and fenofibrate, which non-discriminately activate all PPAR isoforms, significantly inhibited the formation of multinucleated osteoclasts from PBMC in vitro. Bezafibrate treatment of mature osteoclast resulted in 50% inhibition (at 10(-8) M and 10(-7) M) of resorption, yet fenofibrate had no significant effect. Activation of individual PPARs with isoform-specific agonist (GW9578, L165041 and ciglitizone which preferentially activate PPARalpha, beta and gamma respectively) resulted in significant dose-dependent inhibition of multinucleated osteoclast formation. Divergent effects on osteoclast resorption were observed; GW9578 had no significant effect on resorption, whereas ciglitizone and L165041 dose-dependently inhibited and stimulated resorption, respectively. These data show for the first time expression of all three PPAR isoforms throughout the development and maturation period of osteoclasts generated from human PBMCs. In addition, we demonstrate that isoform-specific PPAR agonists have strong effects on multinucleation and highly variable effects on bone resorption. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of PPARs as therapeutic targets in diseases with accelerated osteoclast formation and resorption.