Aged Mice Respond Better to Tibial Compression Than Young-Adult Mice
Author Information
Author(s): Michael D Brodt, Matthew J Silva
Primary Institution: Washington University
Hypothesis
Aged mice are less responsive to loading than young-adult mice.
Conclusion
Aging does not limit the short-term anabolic response of cortical bone to mechanical stimulation in our animal model.
Supporting Evidence
- Aged mice had a significantly greater endocortical response to loading than young-adult mice.
- Both age groups showed a strong anabolic response on the endocortex and periosteum.
- Loading caused a loss of trabecular bone in young-adult mice but prevented bone loss in aged mice.
Takeaway
When we pushed on the legs of older and younger mice, the older ones actually built more bone in response to the pushing than the younger ones.
Methodology
Aged and young-adult male BALB/c mice were subjected to daily bouts of axial tibial compression for 1 week, and their bone responses were evaluated using micro-computed tomography and dynamic histomorphometry.
Limitations
The study examined a short 5-day loading period, which may not reflect longer-term responses.
Participant Demographics
Male BALB/c mice aged 7 months (young-adult) and 22 months (aged).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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