[Effects of stilbestrol on bone growth and metabolism in ovariectomized rats].
OBJECTIVE
To study the effects of stilbestrol on bone growth and metabolism in ovariectomized rats.


METHODS
Twenty-seven 3-month-old female SD rats were randomly divided into 3 equal groups, namely the control group, ovariectomized group (OEG), and OEG+estrogen (OEG+E) group. After ovariectomy, the rats in the third group were given stilbestrol 0.022 5 mg/d x kg x b x w by intragastric gavage for 90 d. A digital image analysis system was used for the measurement of histomorphometric parameters in the proximal tibial metaphysis of the rats. The three-dimensional structure of the femur was observed with scanning electron microscope, with the blood cholesterol level determined and the main viscera weighted.


RESULTS
In comparison with the control rats, the trabecular bone area (TbAr) of ovariectomized rats was significantly reduced (-65%), trabecular bone space (TbSp) enlarged (+189%), and the bone formation rate (BFR) accelerated (+91%). The cancellous bone of the femurs manifested obvious signs of thinning, roughening and resorption lacunae to cause trabecular bone discontinuance, and osteoporosis occurred. The rats treated with stilbestrol, in contrast, had increased TbAr (by 128%), reduced TbSp (by 63%), lowered BFR (by 49%), and reduced osteoclasts (by 32%). The cancellous bone of the femurs was well arranged in close connection with each other, and the high cholesterol level and endocrinic changes in response to ovariectomy was corrected by stilbestrol, which also caused the increase of the uterine weight.


CONCLUSIONS
Stilbestrol may help prevent primary osteoporosis but may increase the risk of female genital cancer.
Tang
Dao-he
DH
Department of Anatomy, Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524023, China.
Xie
Hua
H
Wu
Tie
T
Huang
Lian-fang
LF
Qu
Ju-lan
JL
Yuan
Lin
L
D000818:Animals; D001846:Bone Development / Q000187:drug effects*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D004054:Diethylstilbestrol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000139:chemically induced; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010052:Ovariectomy; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D004054:Diethylstilbestrol; D002784:Cholesterol