Osteoarthrosis and Osteoporosis in Senile Mice

Abstract

In senile mice of strains C57B1, DBA and A, (24 to 34 mo. of age) the state of the epiphyseal growth zones varied from lapsed to complete epiphyseo-diaphyseal union among animals of the same strain and sex. Osteoarthrosis was more common and more severe in males than in females. Incidence and severity of the articular lesions did not increase beyond the levels observed in mice 18 to 24 mo. of age. Osteoporosis was significantly more frequent in females than in males. Mice of strain DBA were more susceptible than mice of strains C57B1 or A. Neither a positive nor a negative correlation could be established between osteoarthrosis and osteoporosis.