title: Labyrinthectomy decreases bone mineral density in the femoral metaphysis in rats.
abstract: To determine whether the vestibular system could influence bone remodeling in rats, we measured bone mineral density with dual energy X-rays absorptiometry before and 30 days after bilateral labyrinthectomy. Comparatively to intact control rats, labyrinthectomized animals showed a reduced bone mineral density in distal femoral metaphysis (p = 0.007): the variations between D0 and D30 were +3.0% for controls and -13.9% for labyrinthectomized rats. No significant difference between the 2 groups was observed in the whole body mineral density. These results suggest that the peripheral vestibular apparatus is a modulator of bone mass and more specifically in weight bearing bone. We discuss possible mechanisms of this vestibular influence probably mediated by the sympathetic nervous system.
authors.affiliation: Service de rhumatologie, CHU Caen, 14033 Caen cedex, France. levasseur-r@wanadoo.fr
authors.forename: Régis
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Levasseur
authors.forename: Jean Pierre
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Sabatier
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Etard
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Denise
authors.forename: Annie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reber
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000818:Animals; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology*; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005269:Femur / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors