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Ovariectomized murine model of postmenopausal calcium malabsorption
1Department of Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, USA.
Summary
Ovariectomized mice show reduced calcium absorption, mimicking postmenopausal osteoporosis. Estrogen therapy in C57BL mice reversed this malabsorption, suggesting this model
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Bone Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Postmenopausal osteoporosis is associated with calcium malabsorption.
- Estrogen deficiency plays a role in bone loss and calcium homeostasis.
- The ovariectomized (OVX) mouse is a common model for studying estrogen deficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the ovariectomized (OVX) mouse as an in vivo model for intestinal calcium malabsorption.
- To investigate the effects of ovariectomy and estrogen (17 beta-estradiol, E2) therapy on calcium absorption in different mouse strains.
- To determine if estrogen therapy can reverse calcium malabsorption in OVX mice.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted using C3H/HeJ and C57BL/6J mice.
- Mice underwent sham surgery, ovariectomy (OVX), or OVX with E2 therapy.
- Calcium absorption, fecal and urinary calcium levels, and plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D were measured.
Main Results:
- Ovariectomy significantly increased fecal calcium and decreased calcium absorption in C57BL mice, but not in C3H mice.
- Estrogen therapy in OVX C57BL mice reversed the calcium malabsorption.
- A dose-response study showed optimal calcium absorption with 120 µg/kg/day E2 therapy in OVX C57BL mice.
- Plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels showed no significant correlation with calcium absorption.
Conclusions:
- The ovariectomized C57BL/6J mouse exhibits intestinal calcium malabsorption similar to that seen in hypoestrogenic women.
- Estrogen is a physiological regulator of calcium absorption in C57BL mice.
- The OVX C57BL mouse is a promising model for studying calcium malabsorption in postmenopausal women.