Effects of centrifuging at 2g on rat long bone metaphyses

Abstract

Hypergravity may be considered as a means of counteracting the deleterious effects of microgravity on bone tissue. The effects of exposure to 4 days of hypergravity provided by centrifuging, on bone tissue were studied using histomorphometry. Young 53-day-old male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into a centrifuged group (2g, n = 10), a rotated group (ROTATE, n = 6) of rats exposed to 1.03g placed in cages near the centre of rotation of the centrifuge and a stationary control group (CONTROL, n = 10). The body mass of the 2g rats was decreased by this experience by 16% compared to CONTROL. The width of the tibial growth plate of 2g was decreased. In two out of ten 2g rats, the hypertrophic zone was injured. In both the tibial and humeral primary (1°) spongiosae, a reduced 1° spongiosa width (−35% and −24%, ROTATE versus CONTROL respectively; −37% and −41%, 2g versus CONTROL respectively) associated with bone gain (+27% for tibia and humerus ROTATE versus CONTROL; +16% and +20%, 2g versus CONTROL respectively) was observed in both ROTATE and 2g. In the tibial secondary (2°) spongiosa, bone mass was increased in the 2g (+13% 2g versus CONTROL) rats due to thicker trabeculae, but was decreased in ROTATE rats (−12% versus CONTROL) due to thinner trabeculae. The parameters of formation and resorption activities were stimulated in the 2g and ROTATE groups, the formation activity being more enhanced in 2g. No structural changes were observed in the humeral 2° spongiosa in any of the groups. Numeral bone formation parameters were decreased in 2g and ROTATE but resorption activity was increased in 2g and decreased in ROTATE compared to CONTROL. In conclusion, as early as the 4th day, 2g hypergravity induced reduced endochondral bone formation and increased cancellous bone mass. Rotation led to mixed results including reduced endochondral bone formation, increased bone volume in the 1° spongiosa and bone loss in the 2° spongiosa.