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Intraskeletal variation in human cortical osteocyte lacunar density: Implications for bone quality assessment
Randee L Hunter1,2, Amanda M Agnew1,3
1Skeletal Biology Research Laboratory, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.
Bone Reports
|June 6, 2017
Summary
Aging decreases osteocyte lacunar density and increases intracortical porosity in cortical bone, impacting bone quality. These age-related changes, particularly in the femur and radius, may increase fracture risk.
Area of Science:
- Bone biology and histology
- Skeletal biomechanics
- Gerontology and aging research
Background:
- Osteocytes and their lacunocanalicular network regulate bone quality, influencing metabolism, mechanical adaptation, and mineral homeostasis.
- Osteocyte apoptosis is linked to decreased bone quality and increased fragility due to its effects on bone remodeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate variations in cortical bone osteocyte lacunar density in relation to sex, age, and intracortical porosity.
- To establish regional and systemic trends in osteocyte lacunar density and intracortical porosity with aging.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cortical bone samples from the midshaft femur, midshaft rib, and distal radius of 30 cadavers (15 males, 15 females, aged 49-100 years).
- Preparation of thick ground undecalcified histological cross-sections (80 μm).
- Quantification of osteocyte lacunar density (Ot.Lc.N/B.Ar) and intracortical porosity (%Po.Ar) using bright field microscopy.
Main Results:
- No significant sex differences were observed in osteocyte lacunar density or intracortical porosity.
- A significant decrease in osteocyte lacunar density and increase in intracortical porosity were observed with age in the femur and radius, but not the rib.
- Intracortical porosity was negatively correlated with lacunar density across all elements, strongest in the radius (r = -0.746).
- Pore number, as a proxy for vascularity, significantly predicted osteocyte lacunar number in the rib, femur, and radius.
Conclusions:
- Aging leads to systemic declines in osteocyte lacunar density and increases in intracortical porosity, potentially impacting bone strength.
- Differential effects at anatomical sites (femur, radius, rib) suggest site-specific influences, possibly related to age-related mechanical loading.
- Findings provide a basis for interpreting osteocyte lacunar density and its role in fracture risk for aging individuals.
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