Effects of vigorous exercise training and beta-agonist administration on bone response to hindlimb suspension

The effectiveness of dobutamine (Dob) in preventing bone loss during 14 days of hindlimb suspension (Sus) was tested in exercise-trained (Ex; n = 25) and sedentary (Sed; n = 22) rats (age 155 days). One-half of each group was given Dob (2 mg . kg-1 . day-1) or saline (Sal). Histomorphometric measurements at midfemur revealed a 17% smaller cortical bone area (CBA) and a 32% lower periosteal mineral apposition rate (MAR) in suspended vs. nonsuspended Sed/Sal rats. Dob abolished this decline in CBA in Sed/Sus rats, probably via an attenuation of the decrease in periosteal MAR; similar but nonsignificant effects on cross-sectional moment of inertia were observed. Nonsuspended Ex rats had no change in bone CBA when CBA is indexed to body weight. Sus appeared to uncouple the relationship between soleus weight and CBA. Dob attenuated the 43% decline in soleus weight after Sus in Ex but not in Sed rats. In summary, vigorous Ex before Sus does not affect loss of bone mass due to unloading; Dob effectively maintains CBA in Sed rats subjected to suspension.