[Effect of elcatonin on experimental osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy and low calcium diet in beagles].

Effect of elcatonin, a synthesized analogue of eel calcitonin, on experimental osteoporosis in beagles induced by ovariectomy and a low calcium diet was studied. Twelve female beagles, 15-18 months old, were divided equally into 3 groups. The first group of beagles were ovariectomized and then fed a low calcium diet, Ca: 0.08%, (ovariectomy plus low Ca diet group); the second group was subjected to the same procedure and diet plus daily injection of elcatonin, 1.0 u/kg, i.m., (elcatonin group); and the third group was fed a standard diet, Ca: 1.36%, (control group) for 6 months. The undecalcified bone sections from the iliac crest were analyzed using histomorphometric methods following in vivo double labeling with Calcein. In the ovariectomy plus low Ca diet group, there were a decrease in trabecular bone volume and an increase in both resorption and formation surface of the trabeculae compared with the control group. These changes of trabecular bone volume and resorption surface were significantly prevented by daily injection of elcatonin. The increase of formation surface of trabeculae and mineral appositional rate was noted in the elcatonin group in comparison with the ovariectomy plus low Ca diet group. These results suggested that elcatonin could prevent bone loss caused by deficiency of sex hormone and dietary calcium.