Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2010, Vol. 14 ›› Issue (46): 8585-.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2010.46.009

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Simulated weightlessness and apoptosis in bone tissue

Mai Yan-xing1, Huang Zhen2, Jian Lian1, Qin Jia-sheng3, Du Jiang4, Deng Wei-min5   

  1. 1Department of Endocrinology, 2Department of Surgery, 3Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, 4Institute for Regeneration Medical, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou  510282, Guangdong Province, China; 5Department of Overseas Chinese, General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command of Chinese PLA, Guangzhou  510282, Guangdong Province, China
  • Online:2010-11-12 Published:2010-11-12
  • Contact: Huang Zhen, Professor, Master’s supervisor, Department of Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, Guangdong Province, China hzhen2@sina.com
  • About author:Mai Yan-xing★, Studying for master’s degree, Department of Endocrinology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, Guangdong Province, China maiyanxing123@163.com

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Bone loss in space presents with weakened activity of osteoblasts and osteocytes. Many factors, including Fas protein, can regulate the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts and osteocytes, ultimately, regulate bone formation.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of weightlessness on apoptosis of bone tissues.
METHODS: Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to simulated weightlessness and control groups. The rats were suspended by the tail for simulating weightlessness. At 7, 14 and 21 days after simulated weightlessness, contents of serum calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase were observed by an automated analyzer. The level of bone gla protein was measured by radio immunoassay. Condition of cell apoptosis in bone tissues was detected by in situ death detection. The expressions of Fas protein were detected with SP immunohistochemical method.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The contents of serum bone gla protein and alkaline phosphatase were significantly lower in the simulated weightlessness group than those in corresponding control group (P < 0.05), whereas serum calcium, phosphorus concentration were increased, and the apoptotic index of osteoblasts, osteocytes and bone marrow stromal cells were higher than that in corresponding control group (P < 0.01). Skeletal unloading in rats induces an increase in Fas protein expression, thus, increase the apoptosis of osteoblasts, osteocytes and bone marrow cells.

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