EFFECT OF ORGANIC GERMANIUM COMPOUND (GE-132) ON EXPERIMENTAL OSTEOPOROSIS IN RATS

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.