![]() ![]() In the European Union, osteoporosis is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the elderly and a key factor in the high cost of medical care. ![]() Generalized osteoporosis can be primary (postmenopausal and senile) or secondary. 2 The disorder can be localized or involve the entire skeleton. Osteoporosis is a multifactorial skeletal disease, characterized by reduction in bone mass and disruption of the microarchitectural structure of bone tissue, resulting in loss of mechanical strength and increased risk of fracture. In addition, several methods of bone mass evaluation are assessed, such as biochemical markers, densitometry, histomorphometry, and bone mechanical testing, that are used for monitoring and evaluation of this animal model in preventive or therapeutic strategies for osteoporosis. ![]() The aim of the current review is not only to present the ovariectomized rat and its advantages as an appropriate model for the research of osteoporosis, but also to provide information about the most relevant age and bone site selection according to the goals of each experimental protocol. The rat has been used in many experimental protocols leading to bone loss, including hormonal interventions (ovariectomy, orchidectomy, hypophysectomy, parathyroidectomy), immobilization, and dietary manipulations. Its skeleton has been studied extensively, and although there are several limitations to its similarity to the human condition, these can be overcome through detailed knowledge of its specific traits or with certain techniques. Among these, the laboratory rat is the preferred animal for most researchers. A large variety of animal species, including rodents, rabbits, dogs, and primates, have been used as animal models in osteoporosis research. Osteoporosis is an important systemic disorder, affecting mainly Caucasian women, with a diverse and multifactorial etiology. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |