Abstract

The effect of a novel prostaglandin A1 derivative, TEI-3313, with the chemical structure 5-[(Z,2E)-4,7-dihydroxy-2-heptenyridene]-4-hydroxy- 2-methylthio-4-(4-phenoxybutyl)-2-cyclopentenone, on bone mineral content was investigated. Seven-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats in which the right hindlimbs were immobilized by sciatic nerve dissection received 1, 10, 100 or 500 micrograms of TEI-3313/kg/day, i.p., for 6 weeks. Control animals were operated on but received vehicle only. Bone mineral content of the femur was measured by single-photon absorptiometry, and biochemical parameters were analyzed. Histomorphometric observations were performed on the proximal metaphysial sections of the tibiae. The administration of up to 500 micrograms/kg of TEI-3313 to rats had no effect on body weight or on serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus and 1 alpha,25 dihydroxy vitamin D3 levels. Immobilization decreased the ash content, calcium content and total bone mineral content of the femur compared with nonimmobilization (unoperated femur). With TEI-3313 administration, changes in these parameters in the immobilized femur were prevented almost to the levels of the nonimmobilized femur, in a dose-dependent manner. The enhancement of bone mineral content was remarkable in the midshaft of the femur. TEI-3313 enhanced ash and calcium content and total bone mineral content in nonimmobilized femurs. Microradiograms showed that TEI-3313, unlike pamidronate and 17 beta-estradiol, had little inhibitory effect on trabecular bone resorption in the proximal portion of the tibia. TEI-3313 not only prevented the bone loss induced by immobilization but also increased bone mass in the nonimmobilized femurs without affecting the levels of 1 alpha,25 dihydroxy vitamin D3.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)