[Effect of high protein low calcium diet on rat alveolus. 7-day diet]

Changes in the bone tissue and the blood vessels in the rat alveolus induced by feeding with a high protein low calcium diet for 7 days were observed by means of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Almost no difference was observed between the control group and the experimental group in the rat femur. However, in the alveolar bone resorption was observed with the appearance of osteoclasts and the enlargement of osteocyte lacunae. The blood vessels in bone marrow spaces showed alternation of their form from straight to slightly ortuous, diverged more frequently and, as a whole, formed a large loop. The vessels ran up and down adjacent to the side wall of the alveolar bone. In the interalveolar septum, ladder-shaped trabeculae and vessels running along them were observed. The present study clearly shows that a high protein low calcium diet affects the alveolar bone in rats, even when given for a short period of 7 days.