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Effects of methylprednisolone on femoral bone marrow: age-dependent susceptibility
Wing P Chan1, Tzong-Fu Kuo, Yun-Ho Lin
11 Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University; Department of Radiology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei - Taiwan.
Purpose:
We aimed to test our primary hypothesis that the effects of methylprednisolone on bone marrow in chickens are age-sensitive and increase with prolonged treatment and our secondary hypothesis that the effects of methylprednisolone on bone marrow can have individual effects.
Methods:
Sixteen control (group A) and 29 methylprednisolone-treated (group B) chickens were categorised by age: pubertal chicks (subgroups A1, B1), young hens (A2, B2), and adult hens (A3, B3). Histologic evaluation 12 to 50 weeks after the start of methylprednisolone treatment included fat cell proliferation, trabecular bone loss, necrosis of bone and marrow, and new bone formation in the femoral head, neck, and intertrochanteric area.
Results:
There were significant differences between groups A1 and B1 in new bone formation in the femoral neck (P = 0.048) and fat cell proliferation in the femoral head (P = 0.008) and neck (P = 0.048). New bone formation in the femoral head was also significantly different (P = 0.023) between groups A2 and B2. No differences were noted between groups A3 and B3 (all P>0.05). Necrosis of bone and marrow was observed in four control and three methylprednisolone-treated chickens (P>0.05). Significant new bone formation and fat cell proliferation in pubertal and young chickens occurred 12 to 19 weeks after administration of high-dose methylprednisolone.
Conclusions:
Younger animals may be more susceptible to methylprednisolone, and responses to methylprednisolone in femoral marrow may vary among individuals.
Insights
Methylprednisolone affects chicken bone marrow differently based on age, with younger birds showing more significant changes like new bone formation. Individual responses to this corticosteroid can also vary.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Bone Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Corticosteroids like methylprednisolone are widely used but can have significant side effects.
- Bone marrow is a critical site for hematopoiesis and bone remodeling, and its response to drugs is of clinical interest.
- Understanding the age-dependent effects of methylprednisolone on bone marrow is crucial for optimizing treatment and minimizing adverse outcomes in avian species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the age-sensitivity of methylprednisolone's effects on chicken bone marrow.
- To determine if prolonged methylprednisolone treatment exacerbates its impact on bone marrow.
- To explore the potential for individual variability in the bone marrow response to methylprednisolone.
Main Methods:
- Histological evaluation of bone marrow in control and methylprednisolone-treated chickens across different age groups (pubertal, young, adult).
- Assessment of parameters including fat cell proliferation, trabecular bone loss, necrosis, and new bone formation in the femur.
- Analysis of histological changes at various time points (12 to 50 weeks) post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in new bone formation and fat cell proliferation were observed in pubertal and young chickens treated with methylprednisolone compared to controls.
- Adult chickens showed no significant differences in bone marrow parameters between control and treated groups.
- Necrosis of bone and marrow occurred in both control and treated groups with no statistically significant difference.
Conclusions:
- Younger chickens appear more susceptible to the bone marrow effects of methylprednisolone.
- The study suggests that the femoral marrow's response to methylprednisolone can be variable among individual animals.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering age and individual factors when administering methylprednisolone in chickens.
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