Sign In

A subscription to JoVE is required to view this content. Sign in or start your free trial.

In This Article

  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Protocol
  • Representative Results
  • Discussion
  • Acknowledgements
  • Materials
  • References
  • Reprints and Permissions

Summary

This protocol presents an economical and efficient method for quantitative evaluation of bone microarchitecture in a mouse model of osteoporosis by combining Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) techniques.

Abstract

Bone microstructure refers to the arrangement and quality of bone tissue at the microscopic level. Understanding the bone microstructure of the skeleton is crucial for gaining insight into the pathophysiology of osteoporosis and improving its treatment. However, handling bone samples can be complex due to their hard and dense properties. Secondly, specialized software makes image processing and analysis difficult. In this protocol, we present a cost-effective and easy-to-use solution for trabecular bone microstructure analysis. Detailed steps and precautions are provided. Micro-CT is a non-destructive three-dimensional (3D) imaging technique that provides high-resolution images of trabecular bone structure. It allows for the objective and quantitative evaluation of bone quality, which is why it is widely regarded as the gold standard method for bone quality assessment. However, histomorphometry remains indispensable as it offers crucial cellular-level parameters, bridging the gap between two-dimensional (2D) and 3D assessments of bone specimens. As for the histologic techniques, we chose to decalcify the bone tissue and then perform traditional paraffin embedding. In summary, combining these two methods can provide more comprehensive and accurate information on bone microstructure.

Introduction

Osteoporosis is a prevalent metabolic bone disease, especially among the elderly, and is associated with an increased risk of fragility fractures. As osteoporosis becomes more common in China1, there will be a growing demand for studying the bone structures of small animals2,3. The previous methods of measuring bone loss rely on the outcomes of two-dimensional dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. However, this does not capture the changes in the architectural microstructure of the trabecular bone, which is a key factor for skeletal strength4. The microstructure of b....

Protocol

The animal protocol has been approved by the Animal Ethical Committee of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Record number: 2020-34). Female C57BL/6J mice (12-week old, n = 14) were divided into two groups randomly, a sham-operated group (Sham group, n = 7) and a model group (OVX group, n = 7). Animals were purchased from a commercial supplier (see Table of Materials). All mice were kept in individual cages at 22-26 °C with 45%-55% humidity, allowed to adapt to their new environment .......

Representative Results

Micro-CT analysis
We measured the trabecular microarchitectural parameters in mice from both groups and reported their mean values and SDs in Table 1. The distribution of some parameters (i.e., the ratio of bone volume to total tissue volume, trabecular thickness, trabecular separation) within each group are illustrated in Figure 3.

These results indicate significant differen.......

Discussion

Osteoporosis can lead to frequent fractures, which are costly, can cause pain, disability, or even death, and seriously affect the quality of life of patients20. Over the years, the ovariectomy model has been recognized as one of the standard methods for studying osteoporosis21. The most common preclinical animal model for osteoporosis is the ovariectomized (OVX) rat. Despite this, the majority of research into the mechanisms of bone disorders, including osteoporosis, has b.......

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Sichuan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2021YJ0175) and the Graduate Research Innovation Project of the School of Clinical Medicine (LCYJSKT2023-11), Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

....

Materials

NameCompanyCatalog NumberComments
4% ParaformaldehydeBiosharpBL539A
Adobe PhotoshopAdobe Inc.
Ammonia SolutionChengdu Kolon Chemical Co., Ltd2021070101
Analyze 12.0AnalyzeDirect, Inc
Anatomical ForcepsJinzhong surgical instrument Co., LtdJ3C030
Anhydrous EthanolChengdu Kolon Chemical Co., Ltd2022070501
Automatic Dyeing MachineThermo scientificVaristain™ Gemini ES
Bone Microarchitecture Analysis Add-onAnalyzeDirect, Inc
C57BL/6J miceSPF (Beijing) Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
Carrier SlidesNantong Mei Wei De Experimental Equipment Co., Ltd220518001
CoverslipsNantong Mei Wei De Experimental Equipment Co.220518001
Decalcification SolutionWuhan Xavier Biotechnology Co., LtdCR2203047
Delicate ScissorsJinzhong surgical instrument Co., LtdZJA010
Embedding box marking machineThermo scientific PrintMate AS
Embedding MachineWuhan Junjie Electronics Co., LtdJB-P5
Fiji: ImageJNational Institutes of Health, USA
Film SealerThermo scientificAutostainer 360
Freezing TableWuhan Junjie Electronics Co., LtdJB-L5
H&E Staining KitLeageneDH0020
Hydrochloric Acid SolutionSichuan Xilong Science Co., Ltd210608
ImageJ2 PluginBoneJ 7.0.16
Medical GauzeShandong Ang Yang Medical Technology Co.
Mersilk 3-0 Silk Braided Non-Absorbable SuturesEthicon, Inc.SA84G
Needle HolderJinzhong surgical instrument Co., LtdJ32010
Neutral BalsamSinopharm Group Chemical Reagent Co., Ltd10004160
OvenShanghai Yiheng Scientific Instruments Co., LtdDHG-9240A
PANNORAMIC Digital Slide Scanners3DHISTECH Ltd. PANNORAMIC DESK/MIDI/250/1000
PBS bufferBiosharpG4202
Povidone-iodine solution 5%Chengdu Yongan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd
Quantum GX2 microCT Imaging SystemPerkinElmer, Inc.
Rotary MicrotomeThermo scientificHM325
ScalpelQuanzhou Excellence Medical Co., Ltd20170022
Scan & Browse Software3DHISTECH Ltd. CaseViewer2.4
Single-Use Sterile Rubber Surgical GlovesGuangdong Huitong Latex Products Group Co., Ltd22B141EO
Sodium Chloride Solution 0.9%Sichuan Kelun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd
Sterile Hypodermic Syringes for Single UseShandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Products  Co., Ltd
Sterile Medical Suture NeedlesShanghai Pudong Jinhuan Medical Products Co., Ltd. PW8068
Tissue ProcessorThermo scientificSTP420 ES
Tissue Spreading and Baking MachineWuhan Junjie Electronics Co., LtdJK-6
TribromoethanolNanjing Aibei Biotechnology Co., LtdM2920
Wax TrimmerWuhan Junjie Electronics Co., LtdJXL-818
XyleneChengdu Kolon Chemical Co., Ltd2022051901

References

  1. Wang, J., et al. The prevalence of osteoporosis in China, a community based cohort study of osteoporosis. Frontiers in Public Health. 11, 1084005 (2023).
  2. Stein, M., et al.

Explore More Articles

Trabecular BoneMicroarchitectureOsteoporosisMouse ModelMicro computed TomographyTCMTraditional Chinese MedicineBone MorphologyBone StructureBone DensityBone VolumeFracture ThicknessBone MicrostructureHistomorphometryBone Quality Assessment3D Imaging2D Assessment

This article has been published

Video Coming Soon

JoVE Logo

Privacy

Terms of Use

Policies

Research

Education

ABOUT JoVE

Copyright © 2025 MyJoVE Corporation. All rights reserved