Effects of oxytetracycline on mineralization of bone in young rats

The metabolism of minerals and collagen in young rats receiving oxytetracycline was studied by employing double-isotope techniques. The dosage of the antibiotic was adjusted to obtain plasma concentrations comparable with human therapeutic levels. Reduced mineralization and possibly increased resorption of bone were observed after oxytetracycline administration, whereas no effect on the rate of collagen synthesis could be detected.