Methodologic aspects of computed microtomography to monitor the development of osteoporosis in gastrectomized rats

• Rationale and Objectives We investigated the methodologic development of computed microtomography (CMT) for monitoring the development of osteoporosis in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods Eight rats were gastrectomized and eight rats were sham operated. Femurs, tibias, and tails were prepared, and CMT scans with spatial resolutions of 5–500 μm were made. Bone diameters, bone areas, and moments of inertia were determined from the CMT scans. Optimal slice position and the need for spatial resolution and energy optimization for future in vivo applications were investigated. Results Gastrectomy caused dramatic changes in the bone architecture of the tibia and the femur. The main features were vacuolization of the bone and reduced amounts of compact bone. Although the outer diameters of tubular bones (femur and tibia) were largely unaffected, their inner diameters were greatly increased following gastrectomy. Relative bone area and moment of inertia were greatly reduced. The optimal photon energy was 12 keV. Conclusion It is possible to monitor gastrectomy-evoked changes in bone morphology at various sites in rats using CMT scanning. The changes are suggestive of osteoporosis. By optimizing the energy spectrum and spatial resolution, as well as choosing the proper slice position, it should be possible to keep absorbed doses low enough to avoid acute radiation injury in repeated in vivo measurements.

Nyckelord

Computed microtomography scanning

gastrectomy

osteoporosis

bone architecture

Sprague-Dawley rats

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

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