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Updated: May 5, 2026
A Mouse Model of Single and Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: June 20, 2017
The negative impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on bone in a mouse model
Hongrun Yu1, Heather Watt, Subburaman Mohan
1Musculoskeletal Disease Center, Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center , Loma Linda, CA , USA and.
Introduction:
While it is well established that the brain produces hypothalamic hormones and neuropeptides that influence skeletal metabolism, the impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on bone is unknown. Based on the recognition from clinical studies that there is an association between TBI and long-term hypothalamic pituitary dysfunction, it was hypothesized that TBI exerts a negative impact on skeletal growth and maintenance.
Methods:
To test the hypothesis, this study employed a repetitive weight drop model for TBI. Four impacts were applied for four consecutive days on 5-week old female C57BL/6 J mice. Bone measurements were taken 2 weeks after the first impact.
Results:
Bone mineral content (BMC), bone area (B area) and bone mineral density (BMD) in the total body were reduced by 14.5%, 9.8% and 5.2%, respectively, in the impacted vs. control mice. There was a 17.1% reduction in total volumetric BMD (vBMD) and a 4.0% reduction in material vBMD in cortical bone. In trabecular bone, there was a 44.0% reduction in BV/TV. Although there was no change in the cross-sectional bone size, the tibial growth plate and the tibia itself were shortened.
Conclusion:
The repetitive animal TBI model produced an immediate, strong negative impact on bone mass acquisition in young mice.
Insights
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) negatively impacts bone mass acquisition in young mice. This study found significant reductions in bone mineral density and content following a repetitive TBI model in mice.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Skeletal Biology
- Trauma Research
Background:
- The brain influences skeletal metabolism via hypothalamic hormones and neuropeptides.
- The skeletal effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) remain largely unknown.
- Clinical studies suggest a link between TBI and hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, hinting at potential bone impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that TBI negatively affects skeletal growth and maintenance.
- To quantify the impact of TBI on bone parameters in a preclinical model.
Main Methods:
- A repetitive weight drop model was used to induce TBI in 5-week-old female C57BL/6J mice.
- Four impacts were administered over four consecutive days.
- Bone measurements were collected two weeks post-initial impact.
Main Results:
- TBI led to significant reductions in total body bone mineral content (14.5%), bone area (9.8%), and bone mineral density (5.2%).
- Cortical bone showed reduced volumetric BMD (17.1%) and material vBMD (4.0%).
- Trabecular bone exhibited a substantial decrease in BV/TV (44.0%), with shortened tibias and growth plates despite no change in cross-sectional bone size.
Conclusions:
- The employed TBI model demonstrated an immediate and potent negative effect on bone mass acquisition in young mice.
- These findings highlight a critical link between TBI and impaired skeletal development.
