To understand the structural changes accompanying estrogen deficiency-
induced bone loss, we examined the temporal changes in cancellous bone
structure in an animal model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Matured
rats were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy, and groups of eight anim
als were sacrificed at 5-day intervals. Histomorphometric and trabecul
ar strut analyses of the excised proximal tibia, and bone mineral dens
ity measurement of the distal femur, were used to investigate cancello
us bone loss as a result of estrogen deficiency. There was an immediat
e increase in bone turnover after ovariectomy, as evidenced by rapid i
ncreases in osteoclast surface (400%) and bone formation rate (270%).
The resultant time-dependent decrease in cancellous bone volume was hi
ghly related to a decrease in trabecular plate number and connectivity
parameters, but was not related to the thickness of the remaining can
cellous plates. Our results suggest that cancellous bone loss due to e
strogen deficiency is the result of decreased connectivity, likely due
to osteoclast perforation of trabecular plates, followed by complete
removal of the plate without prior generalized thinning.