Histomorphometric Analysis of the Spine and Femur in Ovariectomized Rats Using Micro-Computed Tomographic Scan.
- Author:
Yong Hwan SHIN
1
;
Dae Chul CHO
;
Song Hee YU
;
Kyoung Tae KIM
;
Hee Jung CHO
;
Joo Kyung SUNG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: Bone loss; Micro-CT; Osteoporosis; Ovariectomy; Rat
- MeSH: Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Biomarkers; Bone Resorption; Collagen Type I; Female; Femur; Humans; Lumbar Vertebrae; Models, Animal; Osteocalcin; Osteogenesis; Osteoporosis; Ovariectomy; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Salicylamides; Spine
- From:Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society 2012;52(1):1-6
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the different patterns of bone loss between the lumbar spine and the femur after ovariectomy in rats. METHODS: Twenty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent a sham operation (the sham group) or bilateral ovariectomy (the ovariectomized group). Four and eight weeks after operation, six rats from each of the two groups were euthanized. Serum biochemical markers of bone turnover including osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which are sensitive biochemical markers of bone formation, and the telopeptide fragment of type I collagen C-terminus (CTX), which is a sensitive biochemical marker of bone resorption, were analyzed. Bone histomorphometric parameters of the 4th lumbar vertebrae and femur were determined by micro-computed tomography. RESULTS: Ovariectomized rats were found to have higher osteocalcin, ALP and CTX levels than sham controls. Additionally, 8 weeks after ovariectomy in the OVX group, serum levels of osteocalcin, ALP and CTX were significantly higher than those of 4 weeks after ovariectomy. Bone loss after ovariectomy was more extensive in the 4th lumbar spine compared to the femur. Bone loss in the 4th lumbar spine was mainly caused by trabecular thinning, but in the femur, it was mainly caused by trabecular elimination. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates different patterns of bone loss between the 4th lumbar spine and the femur in ovariectomized rats. Therefore, when considering animal models of osteoporosis, it is important that bone sites should be taken into account.
