Rib biopsy technique for cortical bone evaluation in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Area of Science:

• Primate skeletal physiology research
• Comparative anatomy and bone biology

Background:

• Old World primates are valuable models for human skeletal physiology due to Haversian remodeling in cortical bone.
• Rodent models lack the complex cortical bone remodeling present in primates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a repeatable, minimally invasive surgical procedure for obtaining rib bone specimens from rhesus monkeys.
• To enable longitudinal studies of primate skeletal physiology and cortical bone histology without euthanasia.

Main Methods:

• A surgical rib biopsy was performed on female rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) in the lateral decubitus position.
• The tenth rib was exposed, a section resected, and the wound closed; the contralateral rib was biopsied later in some subjects.
• Specimens were analyzed using histologic, immunohistochemical, and histomorphometric methods.

Main Results:

• The procedure yielded bone specimens (2.50 ± 0.25 cm length, 5.5 ± 1.0 mm² cross-sectional area) suitable for detailed examination.
• No mortality or significant morbidity was observed; the procedure was well-tolerated.
• A 8.0% prevalence of pneumothorax was noted, which was successfully managed conservatively.

Conclusions:

• This technique provides high-quality cortical bone samples for research, facilitating longitudinal studies in primate models.
• The procedure is safe, repeatable, and allows for detailed analysis of skeletal physiology and bone remodeling.
• It offers a valuable alternative to euthanasia for studying bone changes over time in non-human primates.