Non-invasive analysis of trabecular microstructural and biomechanical properties in obese OLETF rats.

Abstract

Investigation of the bone mineral density (BMD), microstructural and mechanical properties in the Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) and Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (LETO) rats were performed. The BMD and microstructural analyses were carried out using PIXI-mus and non-invasive high-resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) system. The mechanical properties analyses were determined by finite element analysis based on micro-images. The BMD was significantly larger in LETO rat than in OLETF rat. The microstructural and mechanical properties were deteriorated and decreased in OLETF rat. The results showed that bone strength is decreased in OLETF in spite of high body weight.