Microstructural, Densitometric and Metabolic Variations in Bones from Rats with Normal or Altered Skeletal States

Abstract

BackgroundHigh resolution μCT, and combined μPET/CT have emerged as non-invasive techniques to enhance or even replace dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the current preferred approach for fragility fracture risk assessment. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of µPET/CT imaging to differentiate changes in rat bone tissue density and microstructure induced by metabolic bone diseases more accurately than current available methods.MethodsThirty three rats were divided into three groups of control, ovariectomy and vitamin-D deficiency. At the conclusion of the study, animals were subjected to glucose (18FDG) and sodium fluoride (Na18F) PET/CT scanning. Then, specimens were subjected to µCT imaging and tensile mechanical testing. ResultsCompared to control, those allocated to ovariectomy and vitamin D deficiency groups showed 4% and 22% (significant) increase in 18FDG uptake values, respectively. DXA-based bone mineral density was higher in the vitamin D deficiency group when compared to the other groups (cortical bone), yet μCT-based apparent and mineral density results were not different between groups. DXA-based bone mineral density was lower in the ovariectomy group when compared to the other groups (cancellous bone); yet μCT-based mineral density results were not different between groups, and the μCT-based apparent density results were lower in the ovariectomy group compared to the other groups. ConclusionPET and micro-CT provide an accurate three-dimensional measurement of the changes in bone tissue mineral density, as well as microstructure for cortical and cancellous bone and metabolic activity. As osteomalacia is characterized by impaired bone mineralization, the use of densitometric analyses may lead to misinterpretation of the condition as osteoporosis. In contrast, µCT alone and in combination with the PET component certainly provides an accurate three-dimensional measurement of the changes in both bone tissue mineral density, as well as microstructure for cortical and cancellous bone and metabolic activity.

Effects of swimming associated with risedronate in osteopenic bones: An experimental study with ovariectomized rats

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Multimodal imaging of bone metastases: From preclinical to clinical applications

“…This disadvantage can be overcome by combining μPET with μCT (μPET/CT). The increased sensitivity of this combination to molecular details holds several advantages over other methods, mainly the ability to estimate the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts within the tissue [37] .…”

Bovine Colostrum Supplementation Improves Bone Metabolism in an Osteoporosis-Induced Animal Model

“…The biomechanical properties of the ORX and OVX rats’ tibias were examined using uniaxial tensile tests (adapted from [ 48 , 49 , 50 ]), using Instron 4505 Universal Mechanical Testing Equipment equipped with a BioPlus pneumatic tensile grips system (Instron, MA, USA). Prior to the assay the bones were stored in a room at 4 °C and in a formalin solution.…”