Effects of glucocorticoids on skeletal growth in rabbits evaluated by dual-photon absorptiometry, microscopic connectivity and vertebral compressive strength.
The effects of corticosteroid on bone were examined in female growing rabbits treated with 0.7 mg/kg per day prednisolone for 5 months. The evolution of whole-body total bone mineral measured by dual-photon absorptiometry showed a significant difference between the prednisolone-treated group and the control group from the first to the fifth month. The histomorphometric profile of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis was observed, in particular the lower bone volume and thinner and fewer trabecular plates. Mechanical tests are possible on rabbit vertebrae and showed a very significant difference in bone strength between the prednisolone-treated and control groups, and a good correlation between mechanical tests and histomorphometric or densitometric results. This bone corticosteroid model shows that vertebral compression tests are possible on rabbit lumbar vertebrae. It may contribute to a better evaluation of corticosteroid treatments.
Grardel
B
B
Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies du Squelette, Berck sur Mer, France.
Sutter
B
B
Flautre
B
B
Viguier
E
E
Lavaste
F
F
Hardouin
P
P
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000818:Animals; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011817:Rabbits; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology*
D011239:Prednisolone