Biomaterial Database

Histomorphological confirmation of bone loss in the femoral-metaphyseal tissues of rats with skeletal unloading. 1996

Y Ehara, and M Yamaguchi

Laboratory of Endocrinology and Molecular Metabolism, Graduate School of Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Japan.

The alteration of mineral content in the femoral metaphysis of rats with skeletal unloading was investigated using a model of hindlimb suspension. Animals were fed for 4 days during the unloading. The femoral length, femoral dry weight and femoral mineral density were significantly decreased by the unloading. The calcium, phosphorus and zinc contents in the femoral metaphysis were appreciably reduced by the unloading, although, except for zinc, similar decreases were not seen in the femoral diaphysis. Moreover, the trabecular bone at the femoral metaphysis was clearly reduced by the unloading. Skeletal unloading caused a decrease in osteoid tissue in the primary and secondary spongiosa, indicating that osteoblastic bone formation may be inhibited. The present results clearly demonstrate that skeletal unloading can induce bone loss in the femoral metaphysis.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007103	Immobilization	The restriction of the MOVEMENT of whole or part of the body by physical means (RESTRAINT, PHYSICAL) or chemically by ANALGESIA, or the use of TRANQUILIZING AGENTS or NEUROMUSCULAR NONDEPOLARIZING AGENTS. It includes experimental protocols used to evaluate the physiologic effects of immobility.	Hypokinesia, Experimental,Experimental Hypokinesia,Experimental Hypokinesias,Hypokinesias, Experimental
D008297	Male		Males
D010758	Phosphorus	A non-metal element that has the atomic symbol P, atomic number 15, and atomic weight 31. It is an essential element that takes part in a broad variety of biochemical reactions.	Black Phosphorus,Phosphorus-31,Red Phosphorus,White Phosphorus,Yellow Phosphorus,Phosphorus 31,Phosphorus, Black,Phosphorus, Red,Phosphorus, White,Phosphorus, Yellow
D001835	Body Weight	The mass or quantity of heaviness of an individual. It is expressed by units of pounds or kilograms.	Body Weights,Weight, Body,Weights, Body
D002118	Calcium	A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes.	Coagulation Factor IV,Factor IV,Blood Coagulation Factor IV,Calcium-40,Calcium 40,Factor IV, Coagulation
D005269	Femur	The longest and largest bone of the skeleton, it is situated between the hip and the knee.	Trochanter,Greater Trochanter,Lesser Trochanter,Femurs,Greater Trochanters,Lesser Trochanters,Trochanter, Greater,Trochanter, Lesser,Trochanters,Trochanters, Greater,Trochanters, Lesser
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D015032	Zinc	A metallic element of atomic number 30 and atomic weight 65.38. It is a necessary trace element in the diet, forming an essential part of many enzymes, and playing an important role in protein synthesis and in cell division. Zinc deficiency is associated with ANEMIA, short stature, HYPOGONADISM, impaired WOUND HEALING, and geophagia. It is known by the symbol Zn.
D015519	Bone Density	The amount of mineral per square centimeter of BONE. This is the definition used in clinical practice. Actual bone density would be expressed in grams per milliliter. It is most frequently measured by X-RAY ABSORPTIOMETRY or TOMOGRAPHY, X RAY COMPUTED. Bone density is an important predictor for OSTEOPOROSIS.	Bone Mineral Content,Bone Mineral Density,Bone Densities,Bone Mineral Contents,Bone Mineral Densities,Density, Bone,Density, Bone Mineral
D016474	Weight-Bearing	The physical state of supporting an applied load. This often refers to the weight-bearing bones or joints that support the body's weight, especially those in the spine, hip, knee, and foot.	Load-Bearing,Axial Loading,Loadbearing,Weightbearing,Axial Loadings,Load Bearing,Weight Bearing