Title: Osteoporotic Animal models accordian

Non-Human Primates

Old world monkeys (e.g. baboons, macaques)

- Very similar to humans (organs, physiology)
- Menopause after 20 years of age
- OVX performed
- Very costly
- Ethical issues
- Too dangerous (usually wild)
- Perferred for use in final steps towards clinical trial

Dogs

e.g. beagles

- Comparable bone remodeling system
- Less expensive than monkeys
- Easier to work with than monkeys
- OVX performed, but contribution to bone loss is small
- Diestrus (so low levels of estrogen for most of the year)
- Ethical issues (companion animal)

Rats and Mice

OVX rats most commonly used

- Inexpensive
- Easy to house
- Generally well accepted
- Numerous analytical reagents available
- Large numbers can be used
- Specific genetic strains can be used
- Short life span enables the study of aging effects
- No Haversian system

Rabbits, Ferrets, Guinea Pigs

- OVS models
- Used to study effects of PTH, corticosteroids
- Easy to house
- Relatively inexpensive
- Some issues with lack of estrogen effects on bone mass

Mini Pigs

60 kg as compared to 150 kg farm pig

- Greater ease of handling and less housing space needed
- Estrus cycle similar to humans
- Diet similar to humans
- Several skeletal similarities to humans
- Spontaneous fractures reported
- OVX responsive
- Costly

Sheep

- OVX-induced osteopenia
- Some breeds share similar hormone profiles to women
- Haversian remodeling present
- Respond to glucocortocoid-induced bone loss
- However, dfferences in gastrointestinal system