[Possibilities for pharmacological correction of regional osteoporosis in an unsupported extremity]

In 20- and 40-day rat studies the prophylactic effect of retabolil and calcitrin (calcitonin) against hypodynamics-induced osteoporosis was investigated. Hypodynamics was produced by surgical amputation of the lower third of the leg and hence by loss of the support function of the limb. Retabolil was injected intramuscularly at a dose of 0.2 ml once a day for 10 days and calcitrin was injected subcutaneously at a dose of 2 units MRC in 0.5 ml distilled water once a day. The results indicate that osteoporosis in the supportless bone of the experimental animals and that seen during space flight developed in a similar way. In the experiment retabolil and calcitrin inhibited the progressive development of osteoporosis but the strongest effect was obtained upon a combined application of the two drugs.