IGF-I and pamidronate increase bone mineral density in ovariectomized adult rats

Effects induced by insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and/or the bisphosphonate pamidronate (APD) on bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and proximal and midshaft tibia were studied in adult rats made osteopenic by ovariectomy, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. IGF-I, which was administered by osmotic minipumps implanted subcutaneously for 6 wk, caused a dose-dependent increase of BMD at the three investigated sites. A 4-wk course of IGF-I, followed by intermittent cyclical APD administration, induced significant increases of BMD at the levels of spine and proximal tibia. At midshaft tibia, where cortical bone predominates, BMD was increased by IGF-I only. In conclusion, IGF-I increased BMD at sites with trabecular and/or cortical bone, whereas the APD influence was mainly detectable in the former site only.