Chemical and morphologic alterations of rabbit bone induced by adriamycin

Long term, low dose administration of adriamycin (ADR) to young growing rabbits resulted in significant alterations in bone structure and chemistry. Morphologic changes were most pronounced at epiphyseal and metaphyseal areas of long bones. Epiphyseal cartilage plates were thin and there was derangement of growth zones. Areas of primary and secondary spongiosa were deficient in trabeculae, osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Analysis of femora, humeri and lumbar vertebrae from ADR-treated rabbits revealed increased water and fat content and significant decreases in bone density compared to age-matched controls. Cortices of long bones were roentgenographically thin and contained large irregular spaces evident microscopically. Evaluation of bone ash from ADR treated rabbits revealed significant increases in the percentage of calcium and phosphorus, although Ca/P ratios were not different from controls. Results of in vitro studies indicate that ADR binds readily to nondemineralized, but not demineralized, fresh cortical bone powder. The findings of decreased bone density, histopathologic alterations, and a paucity of osteogenic cells in ADR treated rabbits are interpreted as retardation of bone maturation. It is suggested that ADR affects adversely both the organic and inorganic fractions of bone. Due to its unique characteristics of cytostatic action, binding to metal cations and orange-red fluorescence, ADR is a novel chemical agent that may be useful in experimental bone studies.