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Sympathetic nervous system does not mediate the load-induced cortical new bone formation
Roberto L de Souza1, Andrew A Pitsillides, Lance E Lanyon
1Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom.
Summary
Sciatic neurectomy enhances bone formation in response to mechanical loading, but the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) does not mediate this osteogenic effect in cortical bone. This suggests loading-induced bone growth is independent of SNS activity.
Area of Science:
- Bone biology and mechanobiology
- Neuroscience and skeletal system interactions
- Skeletal remodeling and adaptation
Background:
- The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is implicated in bone mass regulation and may influence bone remodeling.
- Mechanical loading is a key stimulus for bone formation, but its interaction with the SNS is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of sciatic neurectomy (SN) on load-induced cortical bone formation.
- To determine if the SNS mediates the osteogenic response to mechanical loading.
Main Methods:
- Noninvasive axial loading of murine tibias in control and SN-operated mice.
- Histomorphometric analysis of new cortical bone formation.
- Pharmacological blockade of the SNS using guanethidine sulfate or propranolol.
Main Results:
- Sciatic neurectomy significantly enhanced load-induced new cortical bone formation in the tibia.
- This enhancement was more pronounced with longer post-neurectomy periods.
- Pharmacological inactivation of the SNS did not alter load-induced bone formation.
Conclusions:
- Sciatic neurectomy enhances mechanical loading's osteogenic effect on cortical bone.
- The sympathetic nervous system does not appear to mediate the osteogenic response to mechanical loading in cortical bone.