1. The therapeutic effect of organic germanium compound, 2-carboxyethy
lgermanium-sesquioxide (Ge-132), for experimental osteoporosis was stu
died using ovariectomized rats maintained on a low calcium containing
diet. 2. Serum calcitonin (sCT) level was decreased and serum parathyr
oid hormone (sPTH) level was increased by ovariectomy and the decremen
t and increment rates, respectively, were reduced by administration of
Ge-132. Thus, the sCT/sPTH ratio was greater in the groups given Ge-1
32, indicating that the resorption was somehow inhibited by Ge-132. 3.
The transverse strength of femur bone was significantly enhanced by G
e-132.4. A trend was found in the group given Ge-132 for a larger femu
r cortical bone index. 5. The relative femur bone wet weight was great
er in the group given Ge-132. 6. These results indicate that Ge-132 pr
events decreased bone strength, and affects the femur cortical bone in
dex, and bone mineral mass caused by osteoporosis.