Lack of changes in histomorphometric, bone mass, and biochemical parameters in ovariohysterectomized dogs

A predictable animal model with skeletal remodeling characteristics similar to those of humans is needed to facilitate the understanding of the mechanism of postmenopausal osteoporosis. We have utilized the ovariohysterectomized (Ovh) dog to examine cellular and biochemical responses to estrogen depletion and PTH stimulation. Histomorphometric measurements of bone biopsies taken prior to (first biopsy) and five months after the operation (second biopsy) showed no significant differences in static and dynamic parameters. Bone mineral density of the excised vertebrae displayed the same values between the two groups six months after surgery. Between the second biopsy and sacrifice, two infusion studies were performed. A two-hour infusion of EDTA followed by a two-hour recovery period elicited a rapid response in PTH production, highly correlated to the changes in ionized calcium, but no significant difference in response was observed between Sham and Ovh groups. A short-term (24-h) infusion of 1-34 hPTH increased circulating ionized calcium and 1,25-(OH)2-D levels to a similar extent in both groups. The levels of alkaline phosphatase were constant and both groups showed a small but nonsignificant increase in osteocalcin. The lack of sizable responses in histomorphometric, bone mass, and biochemical parameters may limit the utility of dogs for the study of cancellous bone loss in ovarian-dysfunction osteoporosis.