Related Experiment Videos
Hard fallow deer antler: a living bone till antler casting?
1Department of Orthopedics, Clinical Research, University of Goettingen, Germany. hrolf@uni-goettingen.de
The Anatomical Record
|May 13, 1999
Summary
Deer antlers, unique regenerating mammalian bone, maintain a living vascular system even after velvet shedding. This vascularization supports continuous bone remodeling and cell viability until antler casting.
Area of Science:
- Mammalian bone biology
- Regenerative medicine
- Animal physiology
Background:
- Deer antlers are unique, annually regenerating mammalian bone structures.
- Velvet shedding is traditionally thought to interrupt antler bone vascularization.
- Understanding antler vascularization is key to comprehending their regenerative capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the vascularization and cellular activity in hard fallow deer antlers.
- To determine if blood supply is maintained post-velvet shedding until antler casting.
- To assess the implications of vascularization on antler bone remodeling and function.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of fallow deer antlers at various stages from velvet shedding to casting.
- Microscopic analysis of bone structure, cell viability (osteocytes, osteoblasts), and vascular networks.
- Assessment of vascular connections between the pedicle and antler core.
Main Results:
- Hard antlers exhibit living bone with active osteoblasts, osteoid seams, and signs of remodeling.
- A well-developed vascular system is present in hard antlers, connecting the pedicle to the antler core.
- Living cells and vascularization persist in the antler core up to three weeks before casting.
Conclusions:
- Fallow deer antlers represent living bone with continuous remodeling and vascularization.
- A functional vascular system is maintained throughout the hard antler phase, supporting bone health.
- Vascular supply through the antler base is crucial for maintaining antler viability until casting.