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Nitric oxide donor alleviates ovariectomy-induced bone loss
S J Wimalawansa1, G De Marco, P Gangula
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, USA. swimalaw%intmeds1.utmb@mhost.utmb.edu
Bone
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Nitric oxide (NO) administration prevents bone loss in estrogen-deficient rats. Estrogen
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Bone Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Estrogen deficiency after ovariectomy (OVX) leads to significant bone loss.
- Nitric oxide (NO) is known to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bone-sparing effect of nitric oxide (NO) in estrogen-deficient rats.
- To explore the role of NO in mediating the protective effects of estrogen against bone loss.
Main Methods:
- Ovariectomy (OVX) was performed on female Sprague-Dawley rats.
- Rats were treated with vehicle, 17-beta-estradiol (E2), nitroglycerine (NG, NO donor), NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, NO synthase inhibitor), or combinations.
- Bone mineral density (BMD) and femur weights were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
Main Results:
- OVX significantly reduced BMD and femur weight compared to sham-operated rats.
- Administration of NG alone prevented OVX-induced bone loss.
- Estrogen's protective effect against bone loss was abolished by L-NAME, suggesting mediation through NO.
Conclusions:
- Nitric oxide (NO) counteracts bone loss associated with estrogen deficiency.
- The protective effect of estrogens against bone loss may be mediated through NO.
- NO represents a potential therapeutic target for osteoporosis prevention and treatment.