Bone mineral density in mandibles of ovariectomized rabbits

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between loss of o varian function and bone mineral density changes in the mandibles of ovarie ctomized rabbits using peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Twenty- four adult female Japanese white rabbits were used in this experiment. The mandibular incisors were initially extracted to create implant bone. Twelve animals were bilaterally ovariectomized and the other twelve sham-ovariect omized 12 weeks after tooth extraction. All rabbits were sacrificed at 4 an d 12 weeks after ovariectomy and sham-ovariectomy, with 6 rabbits in each o f the four resultant groups. The edentulous parts of distal mandibular bodi es were measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography. There were significant decreases in total bone mineral density and trabecular bone mi neral density in the mandibles of rabbits at 12 weeks post-ovariectomy. The results demonstrate the mineralized bone loss in the mandibles of ovariect omized rabbits.