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Longitudinal Use of Micro-computed Tomography Does Not Alter Microarchitecture of the Proximal Tibia in Sham or Ovariectomized Sprague–Dawley Rats

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Abstract

In vivo micro-computed tomography (μCT) provides the ability to measure longitudinal changes to tibia microarchitecture, but the effect of this radiation is not well understood. The right proximal tibia of Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 12/group) randomized to Sham-control (Sham) or ovariectomy (OVX) surgery at 12 weeks of age was scanned using μCT at 13, 17, 21, and 25 weeks of age, at a resolution of 18 μm and a radiation dose of 603 mGy. The left proximal tibia was scanned only at 25 weeks of age to serve as an internal non-irradiated control. Repeated irradiation did not affect tibia microarchitecture in Sham or OVX groups, although there was an increase in cortical eccentricity (P < 0.05). All trabecular outcomes and cortical BMD were different (P < 0.05) between groups after only 1 week post-surgery and differences persisted to study endpoint. Characteristic changes to trabecular bone were observed in OVX rats over time. Interactions of time and hormone status were found for cortical BMD (P < 0.001), Ps. Pm., and Ec. Pm. (P < 0.05). Repeated irradiation of the tibia at 13, 17, 21, and 25 weeks does not cause adverse effects to microarchitecture, regardless of hormone status. This radiation dose can be applied over a typical 3-month study period to comprehensively understand how an intervention alters tibia microarchitecture without confounding effects of radiation.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the research funding provided by the National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Canada Foundation for Innovation for purchase of the μCT. W. Ward is a Canada Research Chair in Bone and Muscle Development.

Authors Contribution

A. B. L and W. E. W designed the study. A. B. L conducted the experiments, was responsible for the statistical analysis of the data, prepared the first draft of the paper, and together with W. E. W revised the manuscript. S. M. S determined the radiation dose. P. L. S provided invaluable insight into the analysis software. All authors critically revised the paper and approved the final version. W. E. W is the guarantor of this work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Bone and Muscle Health, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada

    Amanda B. Longo, Sandra M. Sacco & Wendy E. Ward

  2. Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada

    Amanda B. Longo, Sandra M. Sacco & Wendy E. Ward

  3. Bruker-microCT, Kontich, Belgium

    Phil L. Salmon

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  1. Amanda B. Longo
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  2. Sandra M. Sacco
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  3. Phil L. Salmon
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  4. Wendy E. Ward
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Correspondence to Wendy E. Ward.

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Conflict of interest

Amanda B. Longo, Sandra M. Sacco, and Wendy E. Ward declare that they have no conflict of interest. Phil L. Salmon is an Application Scientist employed by Bruker microCT, Kontich, Belgium.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This study was approved by the Animal Care Committee of Brock University and conducted in accordance with the guidelines established by the Canadian Council on Animal Care.

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Longo, A.B., Sacco, S.M., Salmon, P.L. et al. Longitudinal Use of Micro-computed Tomography Does Not Alter Microarchitecture of the Proximal Tibia in Sham or Ovariectomized Sprague–Dawley Rats. Calcif Tissue Int 98, 631–641 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00223-016-0113-y

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