Canalicular Network Morphology Is the Major Determinant of the Spatial Distribution of Mass Density in Human Bone Tissue: Evidence by Means of Synchrotron Radiation Phase-Contrast nano-CT

• DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.2324
• Publication Date: 2014-08-04T08:37:44Z
• Authors: Bernhard Hesse; Peter Varga; Max Langer; Alexandra Pacureanu; Susanne Schrof; Nils Männicke; Heikki Suhonen; Peter Maurer; Peter Cloetens; Francoise Peyrin; Kay Raum
• Keywords: Bone canaliculus; Bone tissue; Osteocyte; Matrix (chemical analysis)

ABSTRACT In bone remodeling, maturation of the newly formed osteonal tissue is associated with a rapid primary increase followed by slower secondary mineralization. This requires supply and precipitation mineral into matrix. Mineral delivery can occur only from extracellular fluid via interfaces such as Haversian system osteocyte pore network. We hypothesized that in mineralization, exchange achieved diffusion lacunar-canalicular network (LCN) to matrix, resulting gradual change mineralization respect distance pore-matrix interface. expected observe alterations mass density distribution age. further occurs not at lacunar but also canalicular boundaries. The aim this study was, therefore, investigate spatial perilacunar pericanalicular matrix explore how these densities are influenced aging. analyzing human jawbone specimens originating four healthy donors treated high-dosage bisphosphonate using synchrotron radiation phase-contrast nano-CT 50-nm voxel size. Our results provide first experimental evidence direct vicinity both lacunae (p < 0.001) canaliculi different mean density, gradients interfaces, which diminish increasing Though limited sample size, findings support our hypotheses. Moreover, more pronounced around than canaliculi, explained geometrical considerations LCN morphology. addition, we speculate all LCN, homeostasis. © 2014 American Society for Bone Research.