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| Author(s): |
Mauricio José Falcai
Total Authors: 1
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| Document type: | Master's Dissertation |
| Press: | Ribeirão Preto. |
| Institution: | Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (PCARP/BC) |
| Defense date: | 2011-08-19 |
| Examining board members: |
José Batista Volpon;
Daniela Cristina Carvalho de Abreu;
Keico Okino Nonaka
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| Advisor: | José Batista Volpon |
| Abstract | |
Background: Suspension of the rat by the tail is a method that is used to simulate the effects of microgravity and physical hypoactivity on the musculoskeletal system and also on other systems. The conventional suspension method uses the skin traction for fixing the animal to the suspension system and it is ideally applied for three weeks. After this period of time, skin lesions, stressful conditions and animal loosening may occur. These facts limit observations for longer periods of time. The aim of the present study was to propose and evaluate a rat tail suspension system using skeletal traction with a crossing Kirschner wire in the tail vertebra and to compare it with the conventional skin traction method, during three and six weeks. Methods: 60 rats allocated in six groups (n = 10): GI - three-week tail suspension in skeletal traction; GII - three week skin traction-suspension; GIII - three weeks without suspension; GIV - six-week suspension skeletal traction; GV - six weeks in cutaneous traction, GVI - six weeks without any suspension. Clinical evaluation was made filling up a daily list of findings of stress indicators and, at the end of the experimental period, by post-mortem examination, with determination of plasma corticosterone levels and status of the gastroesophageal mucosa. Evaluation of the effects of suspension on bone was carried out by the determination of bone mineral density, histomorphometry and mechanical tests that were conducted both in femurs and humerus. Results: no statistically significant difference was observed between groups for three weeks for the suspended animals, for any of the parameters investigated. In six weeks, seven suspended animals in skin traction were lost by skin lesions (70%) and, in skeletal traction, one (10%). As for the weight gain and other clinical parameters no differences was observed between the suspended groups. Comparison between suspended and control animals showed that bone mineral density, maximum strength, stiffness and histomorphometric parameters of the femur of suspended decreased in three weeks and then stabilized for both groups suspended by the skin traction and skeleton, with no differences between them. Humerus presented no significant differences between suspended animals and controls. Conclusion: The system of skeletal traction was more efficient to keep the animal suspended for six weeks, when the number of complications was lower than in the skin traction group. Both suspension methods had the same efficiency to weaken the bone. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 09/06568-3 - Development of a modified system of tail suspension of the rat as a model of osteopenia |
| Grantee: | Maurício José Falcai |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Master |