The conclusiveness of less-invasive imaging techniques (computer tomography, X-ray) with regard to their identification of bone diseases in a primate model (Callithrix jacchus).
BACKGROUND
Although common marmosets seem to be appropriate animal models to examine bone diseases, no data about the conclusiveness of less-invasive techniques are available. Therefore, the aim was to combine different techniques to analyse changes in bone metabolism of common marmosets with bone diseases.


METHODS
Five monkeys were examined by X-ray, computer tomography (CT), histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC).


RESULTS
Monkeys with lowest bone mineral density (BMD) showed increased bone marrow, decreased cancellous bone and decreased contrast in X-ray. Highest alkaline phosphatase (AP)-levels were detected in bones with low elastic modulus. Expression of osteopontin (OPN), osteocalcin (OC) and runt-related transcriptions factor 2 (RUNX 2) was detected in bones with high modulus. No expression was present in bones with lower modulus. Collagen type I and V were found in every bone.


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, CT, X-ray and AP are useful techniques to detect bone diseases in common marmosets. These observations could be confirmed by IHC.
Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany. jana.grohmann@vetmed.uni-leipzig.de
J
J
Grohmann
S
S
Taetzner
T
T
Theuss
F
F
Kuehnel
U
U
Buchwald
A
A
Einspanier
D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D015519:Bone Density; D001847:Bone Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism*; D002144:Callithrix; D050659:Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit / Q000378:metabolism; D055119:Elastic Modulus / Q000502:physiology; D006652:Histological Techniques / Q000379:methods; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D023421:Models, Animal; D015675:Osteocalcin / Q000378:metabolism; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
D050659:Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit; D015675:Osteocalcin; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase