Abstract
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.
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Grardel, B., Sutter, B., Flautre, B. et al. Effects of glucocorticoids on skeletal growth in rabbits evaluated by dual-photon absorptiometry, microscopic connectivity and vertebral compressive strength. Osteoporosis Int 4, 204–210 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01623240
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01623240