Retardation of bone growth in triamcinolone-treated mice.

Immature mice were treated for up to 8 weeks with daily doses of triamcinolone diacetate. The epiphyseal cartilage plate and its surrounding bone from the humeral head were studied histologically at regular intervals. Concomitantly, roentgenographic measurements were performed on the humeri in toto. By the tenth injection significant morphological changes were noted in the cartilaginous plate, followed by complete cessation of bone growth. Severe triglyceride accumulation appeared in the experimental livers and humeral bone marrow. Osteoporosis also occurred and became severe from the fifth week of triamcinolone administration. Possible explanations for the above findings are discussed.