Abstract
Previous research indicated that chronic alcohol consumption has a detrimental impact on the skeleton in both humans and alcohol-fed rats. The decreased bone mass seen in alcoholics increases their risk for fractures over time and likely contributes to the high prevalence of osteoporosis. Prevention of osteoporosis begins with achievement of a maximum peak bone mass in adolescence and early adulthood. Little is known regarding the impact of alcohol consumption, particularly binge alcohol consumption, on the actively growing skeleton. The objective of this study was to determine whether or not binge drinking impacts the normal growth process of the young growing female rat skeleton. Twelve, four-week-old, female rats were paired to form an ethanol group and a pair-fed group. Ethanol animals were intubated with 1. 14 g/kg of 5% ethanol two consecutive days per week for five weeks. Pair-fed animals received an isocaloric maltose/dextrin solution in place of the alcohol. Tetracycline hydrochloride and calcein were injected. twelve and five days prior to sacrifice for histomorphometric analysis. Results showed that the ethanol rats had a significantly greater femur density as well as femur calcium content. Bone surface, bone volume, and trabecular number were all significantly greater in the ethanol rats as well. Trabecular separation was decreased in the ethanol animals, as was osteoid surface and osteoblast surface. Bone formation and generalization were normal in the two groups. In conclusion, binge drinking does not have a detrimental impact on the skeleton of the young growing female rat.
Gallagher, Sharon Lee (1997). The impact of binge drinking on the young growing female rat skeleton. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -1997 -THESIS -G36.