The action of oxytocin on the bone of senescent female rats

Author(s)

Gadioli Santos, Luis Fernando ; Fernandes-Breitenbach, Fernanda ; Santos Silva, Rafael Augusto ; Santos, Damaris Raissa ; Peres-Ueno, Melise Jacon ; Ervolino, Edilson ; Chaves-Neto, Antonio Hernandes ; Menegati Dornelles, Rita Cassia

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Life Sciences; v. 297, p. 11-pg., 2022-05-15.

Abstract

Aims: This study verified the action of oxytocin (OT) as a preventive measure to control bone damage during aging in female rats.& nbsp;Main methods: Wistar rats received saline (0.15 mol/L/IP; Vehicle Group), Atosiban/AT (300 mu g/Kg/IP; At Group), OT (134 mu g/Kg/IP; Ot Group), or AT+OT (OT injections 5 min after AT; At+Ot Group), at 19 and 20 months of age. A functional test was performed immediately before and 30 days after the injections to analyze the animals' gait.& nbsp;Key findings: Animals in the At group had higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, lower cortical and trabecular thickness, fewer trabeculae, higher expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and lower osteocalcin (OCN), higher cortical porosity, and lower moment of inertia and bone strength at the femoral neck. OT administration increased lipidic peroxidation and plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD), and provided, in the femoral neck, lower expression of TRAP and higher OCN, greater cortical and trabecular thickness, a greater number of trabeculae, bone mineral density (BMD), higher inertia bone strength, and lower cortical porosity. At + Ot group showed great similarity with the vehicle group, higher SOD, and BMD. An increase in stride length and no increase in base width of 21-month-old animals were observed after OT, unlike animal's vehicle or AT.& nbsp;Significance: Endogenous OT plays an important role in the regulation of bone remodeling during periestropause, and exogenous OT stands out as a potential preventive intervention in this period to improve bone quality with functional repercussions, possibly providing better gait activity. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/14464-6 - Activity of the locus coeruleus noradrenergic neurons and the release of GnRH in acyclic female rats
• Grantee: Rita Cássia Menegati Dornelles
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/26779-4 - Effect of zoledronate during the alveolar healing process in rats: study involving the major risk factors for developing osteonecrosis of the jaws and assessment of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as preventive therapy
• Grantee: Edilson Ervolino
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants