Calcitonin effects on rabbit bone

Abstract

30 adult male New Zealand white rabbits underwent osteotomy and plate fixation of the left ulna for 6 or 12 weeks. The right ulna served as control. In half of the rabbits 6 IU calcitonin was given daily until death, and in the other half placebo injections in the same manner. A three-point bending test was performed on both ulnae. Sections of bone, covered or uncovered by the plates, were examined histologically. Long-term administration of calcitonin increased the mechanical properties of both fractured and intact bones and reduced porosity of the cortex under the plate.