Quantitative associations between osteocyte density and biomechanics, microcrack and microstructure in OVX rats vertebral trabeculae
- 作者：Yu-Lin Ma ; Ru-Chun Dai ; Zhi-Feng Sheng ; Yan Jin ; Yu-Hai Zhang ; Ling-Na Fang ; Hui-Jie Fan ; Er-Yuan Liao
- 关键词：Osteocyte density ; Microcrack ; Bone mineral density ; Microstructure ; Biomechanics
- 刊名：Journal of Biomechanics
- 出版年：2008
- 期刊代码：144_00219290
- 类别：med
- 出版时间：2008
- 卷：41
- 期：6
- 页码：1324-1332
- 文件大小：701 K
摘要
Osteocytes actively regulate bone modeling and remodeling, direct skeletal mineralization, and regulate calcium/phosphate homeostasis and extracellular matrix metabolism; yet the specific role of osteocytes in maintaining bone structural integrity and strength is unknown. Studies have shown that the density of osteocytes decreases with age and estrogen deficiency, as seen in postmenopausal women. Here, we examined the relationships between osteocyte density and the related variables, including biomechanics, bone mineral density, microcrack and microstructure of vertebral trabeculae, in ovariectomized rats. We found that osteocyte density correlated with some of the parameters that determine the biomechanical quality of bone. Our findings suggest that osteocytes could play a crucial role in maintaining the mechanical quality of bone, and osteocyte density could be considered as an alternative index in assessing bone quality.