MEAM Special Seminar: “Differences in Material Properties of Trabecular Bone Tissue from Modeling- and Remodeling-Based Bone Formation in Rats”

Bone undergoes continuous changes during life through processes of bone modeling and remodeling. Modeling-based bone formation (MBF) i.e. bone formation without prior activation of osteoclastic resorption, only occurs during growth, healing, and in response to external mechanical loading. Remodeling-based bone formation (RBF), which is tightly coupled with bone resorption by osteoclasts, plays a predominant role maintaining skeletal health. Recent studies identified the activation of MBF as an important mechanism by which anabolic agents, such as intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH), rapidly elicit new bone formation. Due to the challenge of differentiating between MBF and RBF on a thick bone specimen, the quality of the bone tissue generated through these two distinct cellular mechanisms is unknown. Therefore, the goal of this study is to (1) develop an imaging method that can be coupled with a mechanical testing platform for reliable identification and examination of material properties of MBF and RBF on thick bone sections, and (2) define the differences in material properties of trabecular bone tissue from MBF and RBF.