OSTEOPENIC CHANGES IN HIGH SUGAR DIET-INDUCED DIABETIC RABBITS (HSDD-R)

Rabbits maintained on a persistent high sugar diet eventually develop diabetes mellitus with a marked decline in glucose tolerance, but no studies have been conducted on the associated bone changes in these high sugar diet-induced diabetic rabbits (HSDD-R). Radiographs have revealed a significant thinning of the femoral cortex of these rabbits with markedly decreased bone mass. Scanning electron microscopy of the femoral cortex using the freeze-fractured technique have revealed the loss of a typical structure of Haversian canals and the surrounding concentric and radiating lamellar bones and also the loss of fibrous components in the section. The border created by the cement line was indistinct and resulted in amorphous changes. Formation of heterogenous bundles of fibrous components different from the usual reticular structure was seen within the subendothelial space of the Haversian canals. These results indicate that qualitative changes can apparently occur in the bone along with the development of osteopenia in the diabetic state.