title: Dietary protein level and skeletal development in the golden Syrian hamster.
abstract: The hamster was used as a model for investigating the effect of low, moderate, and high protein intake (12, 18, and 36% casein) on bone mineral content. Animals fed the low level of protein between 3 and 8 months of age had a reduction in the weight of all skeletal components measured, with the exception of the diaphyseal portion of the long bones. Diaphyseal weight and calcium remained significantly lower when expressed as a percentage of body weight. However, urinary calcium excretion was not lower than that of animals consuming an adequate protein intake. Ingesting a high protein diet resulted in a significant increase in urinary calcium excretion, and a reduced amount of both mineral and organic material in the diaphyses. We conclude that long-term consumption of a high protein ration led to the development of a mild osteoporotic condition in the hamster which was limited to the diaphyseal portions of the long bones.
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D001846:Bone Development / Q000187:drug effects*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000652:urine; D006224:Cricetinae / Q000502:physiology*; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008647:Mesocricetus / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D004044:Dietary Proteins; D002118:Calcium