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Postpubertal Architectural Developmental Patterns Differ Between the L 3 Vertebra and Proximal Tibia in Three Inbred Strains of Mice
Author(s) -
Buie Helen R,
Moore Christopher P,
Boyd Steven K
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of bone and mineral research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.882
H-Index - 241
eISSN - 1523-4681
pISSN - 0884-0431
DOI - 10.1359/jbmr.080808
Subject(s) - inbred strain , tibia , vertebra , biology , anatomy , genetics , gene
An understanding of normal microarchitectural bone development patterns of common murine models is needed. Longitudinal, structural, and mineralization trends were evaluated by in vivo μCT over 12 time points from 6–48 wk of age at the vertebra and tibia of C3H/HeN, C57BL/6, and BALB/C mice. Longitudinal growth occurred rapidly until 8–10 wk, slowed as the growth plate bridged, and fused at 8–10 mo. Structural augmentation occurred through formation of trabeculae at the growth plate and thickening of existing ones. In the vertebrae, BV/TV increased rapidly until 12 wk in all strains. Between 12 and 32 wk, the architecture was stable with BV/TV deviating <1.1%, 1.6%, and 3.4% for the C57BL/6, BALB/C, and C3H/HeN mice. In contrast, the tibial architecture changed continuously but more moderately for BV/TV and TbTh compared with the vertebra and with comparable or larger changes for TbN and TbSp. Age‐related trabecular deterioration (decreased BV/TV and TbN; increased TbSp and structure model index) was evident at both sites at 32 wk. In all strains, the cortex continued to develop after trabecular values peaked. The temporal plateau of BMD was variable across mouse strains and site, whereas tissue mineral density was attained at ∼6 mo for all sites and strains. Geometric changes at the tibial diaphysis occurred rapidly until 8–10 wk, providing the C57BL/6 mice and C3H/HeN mice with the highest torsional and compressive rigidity, respectively. In summary, key skeletal development milestones were identified, and architectural topology at the vertebra was found to be more stable than at the tibia.