Lanthanum salts improve bone formation in a small animal model of post-menopausal osteoporosis

Two different lanthanum salts, lanthanum carbonate (LaCO3) and Lancer (R), a lanthanide citrate mixture, were tested for their effects on bone metabolism in a small animal model for post-menopausal osteoporosis. Forty female outbred Wistar Han rats, sham-operated (SHAM, positive control, n = 10) or ovariectomized (OVX, n = 30) at 4 months of age, were allotted into following groups (n = 10/group): (i) SHAM, (ii) OVX control (negative control), (iii) OVX + LaCO3 (1.74 g/kg feed) and (iv) OVX + Lancer (R) (8 g/kg feed). Effects on bone were investigated by bone markers [osteocalcin (Oc) in serum and excretion of pyridinoline (PYD) in urine] and by physical parameters of bone structure and bone composition (bone mass, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium content in bone crude ash). Bone micro-architecture and bone mineral density were evaluated by peripheral quantitative computed tomography and microcomputed tomography (mu CT). The animal model could be validated by differences between OVX control and SHAM. Body mass and feed intake were the same among the four groups. Oc was clearly increased in the two experimental groups (p < 0.001) vs. SHAM and OVX control. Bone mass and calcium content in bone ash were significantly higher than in OVX control. The Ca/P ratio in bone ash of the two lanthanide groups did not differ from SHAM. Bone-protecting effects of lanthanides were clearly demonstrated by an increased trabecular density which is the region of interest for osteoporotic bone loss. A 3D imaging of bone micro-architecture by mu CT visualized descriptively the positive effects of lanthanides on bone formation. The results of this study demonstrate an improvement of bone formation and bone-protecting effects of lanthanides in the OVX rat. Thus, lanthanum salts suggest a prevention of post-menopausal bone loss and may be of benefit in experimental osteopenia following ovariectomy.