Severe bone alterations under β2 agonist treatments: Bone mass, microarchitecture and strength analyses in female rats

• Published in: Bone (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2005-11, Vol.37 (5), p.622-633
• Main Authors: Bonnet, N., Benhamou, C.L., Brunet-Imbault, B., Arlettaz, A., Horcajada, M.N., Richard, O., Vico, L., Collomp, K., Courteix, D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Biomechanical; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Leptin; MicroCT; Muscle; Rat; Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems; β2 agonists
• ISSN: 8756-3282; 1873-2763
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2005.07.012

Aims: β2 adrenergic agonists are widely used in therapeutics and as doping agents by athletes. However, their effects on bone tissue, especially bone microarchitecture, remain poorly understood. Using three-dimensional (3D) microtomography, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, biomechanical testing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we evaluated the effects of two β2 agonists, clenbuterol and salbutamol, on bone in growing rats. Methods: Twelve-week-old Wistar female rats ( N = 39), divided in 3 groups, received during 6 weeks either salbutamol (4 mg/kg/day), clenbuterol (2 mg/kg/day) or normal saline (0.5 ml/kg/day) by subcutaneous injections. Results: After 6 weeks, the salbutamol and clenbuterol groups displayed lower bone mineral content (BMC), femoral length and cortical width than controls. Clenbuterol treatment further reduced bone mineral density. Bone microarchitecture was clearly altered by clenbuterol, as evidenced by lower trabecular number (−40.40%; P