RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SERUM BIOCHEMICAL MEASUREMENTS AND SPINAL BONE-MINERAL DENSITY IN AFRICAN-GREEN MONKEYS (CERCOPITHECUS-AETHIOPS)

Spinal bone mineral density (BMD) of African green monkeys were measur ed by a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The value determined in male was rather higher (0.674+/-0.068g/cm2, Mean +/-S. D.) than tha t in female (0.611+/-0.105g/cm2), while the coefficient of variance wa s larger in female (17%) than in male (10%). Females were divided into two groups according to their diversity of BMD values. Serum biochemi cal values were compared among three groups, one male group (n=37) and two groups of female (A : n =31, B : n =22), using a canonical discri minant analysis. As the result of the canonical discriminant analysis, closed relationship between serum biochemical properties and BMD was demonstrated. Lower BMD, lower serum protein concentration and higher serum inorganic phosphorus may be the reflection of malnutrition in th is primate species. In conclusion, animals showing osteopenia were inc luded in our breeding colony of the African green monkey judging by th e value of bone measurements and serum biochemical measurements.