Influence of dexamethasone and alpha-ketoglutarate on growth and development of the skeletal system of pigs

• The aim of the study was to establish the influence of dexamethasone and/or alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) on the growth, mineralization, geometric and mechanical properties of ribs as a methodological model. The experiment was conducted during the final 24 days of prenatal life and first 14 days of neonatal life. The volumetric bone density of the trabecular and cortical bone was determined separately using the quantitative computed tomography (QCT) method and Somatom AR. T - Siemens apparatus. The mechanical properties were determined using the three-point bending test according to the method by Ferretti et al. The obtained results indicate that maternal administration of dexamethasone increased volumetric mineral density, although the mechanical parameters had lower values. Prenatal administration of AKG decreased all the geometric and mechanical parameters of the investigated ribs. The results obtained during the administration of the compound in neonatal life were the opposite of the prenatal results. Dexamethasone and AKG given together had the same influence on mineralization and other properties AND increasing their values during prenatal and neonatal life. This model of administrating dexamethasone and AKG maternally during prenatal life with the intention of provoking structural growth of the skeleton may be useful in further elucidating some biological and pharmacological factors on bone formation in prenatal life.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Zoologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Zoology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

dexamethasone

AKG

ribs

prenatal life

piglets

Publication and Content Type

art (subject category)

ref (subject category)