Bone Abstracts

Introduction: Osteopenia and osteoporosis are osteometabolics disorders characterized by decreased bone mineral density (BMD) with deterioration of bone microarchitecture. Since the beginning of the space age, there was a growing interest in trying to reproduce on Earth an environment that could simulate the effects of microgravity to induce bone, a state of osteopenia. The aim of this study was to present a new osteopenia induction model through the full body suspension.

Method: Methods were used eighteen (18) race female Rattus norvegicus Albinus, Wistar variety, with 10 weeks of age and body mass between 200 and 290 grams. The animals were divided equally (n=9) in 2 groups: GS21 – Suspended Group for 21 days; GC21 - Control Group 21 days. The animals in the experimental group were suspended for 21 days through a garment made of rubberized fabric, slightly elastic and trabecular. This garment was arrested by rings on a wooden platform that was embedded in the edges of the cage Beira Mar, keeping the suspended animals. The rats were euthanized and after autopsy and dissection, the analyzes were performed. The bone tissue was analyzed for bone mineral density, strength, bone microarchitecture (through computed microtomography and scanning electron microscopy).

Results: There was a significant reduction in bone mineral density of the humerus and tibia to densitometric analysis; there was a reduction of the maximum strength and relative stiffness of humerus and tibia to mechanical bending test on three points.

Conclusion: The proposed protocol whole body suspension reduced bone mineral density and mechanical strength of the tested bones and was effective for inducing osteopenia.

Key Words: osteopenia; sedentary lifestyle; full body suspension; bone density