Scanning telescope observation of cancellous bone loss of ovariectomized rats

Objective: Scanning telescope was used to observe bone resorption carried out on the surface of cancellous bone and it's relationship with the change of biomechanical strength of the cancellous bone.Methods: 6 months-old SD rats were ovariectomized and the left tibias were obtained after 3 months.JEOL JSM 840 scanning telescope was used to observe the resorption pits on the surface of cancellous bone and colagen distribution on the bottom of the pits.The right tibias were also obtained to measure the biomechanical strength of its' upper end.Results: Cancellous bone was rich inside the upper tibias of the normal rats,the surface of the bone was smooth and collagen distribution was in order.Cancellous bone decreased after ovariectomy,resorption pits increased and deepened,collagen in the bot tom of the pits was distributed irregularly.Resorption pits could also be seen at the top of the arched trabecula.The biomechanical strength of the upper tibias was decreased obviously after ovariectomy.Conclusion: Ovariectomy enchances bone resorption on the surface of cancellus of the rats,especially the resorption carried out at the top of arched trabecula affects the cancellous bone strength mostly.