Sciatic lesion does not induce bone disuse atrophy in a hibernating species

Authors

Jenifer C. Utz, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Hina Warsi, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Michael Treat, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Valeri Sarkhanov, Univeristy of Nevada, Las Vegas
Jagaeep Thota, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Brendan J. OToole, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Seth Donahue, Colorado State University
Frank van Breukelen, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-2016

Publication Title

The FASEB Journal

Volume

30

Issue

1 Supplement

First page number:

1242

Last page number:

1243

Abstract

Bone loss is evident in as little as 2 weeks in common rodent models of disuse atrophy. Yet hibernating mammals are inactive for 6–9 months per year. We previously demonstrated the maintenance of bone strength following the hibernation season in ground squirrels. Here, we investigated if active season squirrels naturally resist bone disuse atrophy. Unilateral sciatic lesions were performed on squirrels collected from the wild in June and September. Following a 6-week period of disuse, leg bones were collected and the following parameters were evaluated: bone morphometry, break force, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and ultrastructure (visualized through micro computed tomography). Despite sciatic denervation and disuse for 6 weeks, squirrels experienced no bone disuse atrophy. These results indicate resistance to bone disuse atrophy is not restricted to the hibernation season in ground squirrels.

Repository Citation

Utz, J. C., Warsi, H., Treat, M., Sarkhanov, V., Thota, J., OToole, B. J., Donahue, S., van Breukelen, F. (2016). Sciatic lesion does not induce bone disuse atrophy in a hibernating species. The FASEB Journal, 30(1 Supplement), 1242-1243.