Tetracyclines, doxycycline and calcified tissues

The use of radioactive isotope techniques has led to a thorough re-assessment of our knowledge of bone histology. It is known that tetracyclines faithfully follow the pattern of calcium metabolism in the body. Fluorescence microscopy, after double labeling with tetracyclines and alizarin red S, is very useful for collection of qualitative and quantitative data on compact and spongy bone remodeling. Two illustrations are presented which demonstrate how oxytetracycline and doxycycline administered in therapeutic doses to growing dogs, become deposited in the dentine. The significance of these findings is discussed.