The effect of alendronate sodium on trabecular bone structure in the osteoporotic rat model

This study was accomplished to assess the effect of alendronate sodium on trabecular bone structure in an osteoporotic rat model. 60 female, three month old Wistar rats raised in the Cukurova University Medical Research Center (TIBDAM) were recruited in the study. 40 of these rats were ovariectomized (Ovx) and 20 were sham (Shm) operated. The rats were divided into three groups as sham operated (n=20), ovariectomized alendronate (Ovx-A) and ovariectomized vehicle (Ovx-SF) No pharmacological treatment was applied to the Shm operated group for 56 days whereas Ovx-A group received 1mg/kg/day Alendronate Na by way of a gastric gavage. Ovx-SF group received 1ml/kg/day SF for 56 days by the same method. All groups were assessed for histomorphometrical, densitometrical, biomechanichal and biochemistrial properties at the end of the eight week study period. The statistical evaluation of this study showed that the bone loss in the Ovx-SF group was higher when compared to Ovx-A and Shm groups When Ovx-A and Shm groups were compared the bone loss was not significant The positive effect of alendronate sodium was also seen on biochemistrial, densitometric and biomechanic evaluation. These results confirm that Alendronate sodium treatment is of value for women who have postmenapousal osteoporosis.