Morphological effect of electromagnetic stimulation on the skeleton of fetal or newborn mice

In vitro cultures of limbs from fetuses or newborn mice allow for a strict control of the experimental parameters. Moreover the use of controlateral limbs as a control series avoids inter-individual variations and staining artefacts. The results show that the electromagnetic signal used produces modifications in the morphology and the metabolism of the different components of the bone. The modifications observed in the stimulated limbs are: a thicker proliferative layer of chondrocytes, a better lining up of the trabecula and a better configuration of the cartilage. These modifications are probably due to a change on the components of the cartilaginous matrix. The histochemical demonstration of mucopolysaccharides would probably clarify this matter.