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 measured 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 that in female (0.611+/-0.105g/cm2), while the coefficient of variance was larger in female (17%) than in male (10%). Females were divided into two groups according to their diversity of BMD values. Serum biochemical 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 discriminant 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 this primate species. In conclusion, animals showing osteopenia were included in our breeding colony of the African green monkey judging by the value of bone measurements and serum biochemical measurements.