The effects of long-term, low-dose EHDP administration on experimatal osteoporosis in female Wistar rats were studied.
The experimental osteoporosis was induced by sciatic nerve dissection at major trochanter level, and EHDP was given at a dose of 0, 0.1, 1, 5mg/kg daily for six months.
In the control group, denervated limb became osteopenic and the cortical thickness decreased markedly. Histological examination revealed thin and coarse bone trabeculae, similar to that seen in human osteoporosis. This osteoporosis was clearly prevented by EHDP given at a dose of 1 and 5mg/kg/day. However in the rats given 5mg/kg/day, the thickness of the epiphyseal growth plate was increased and the accumulation of nonmineralized osteoid tissue was demonstrated.
So, if a proper dose is chosen, we think that EHDP is a valuable drug for the treatment of osteoporosis.
