[Animal models of post-menopausal osteoporosis]

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass, microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue leading to enhanced bone fragility, and a consequent increase in fracture risk. In humans estrogen deficiency following menopause is associated with a more or less intense osteopenia. In some subjects, such a decrease in bone mass induces osteoporosis. Several animal models (ovariectomized female dogs, pigs and monkeys) are used to study the etiology, prophylaxis and treatment for osteoporosis. Nevertheless, the changes in bone metabolism following estrogen deficiency are very similar in rats and humans. Thus, the ovariectomized rat is the most frequently used model for such studies.