Labyrinthectomy decreases bone mineral density in the femoral metaphysis in rats.

To determine whether the vestibular system could influence bone remodeling in rats, we measured bone mineral density with dual energy X-rays absorptiometry before and 30 days after bilateral labyrinthectomy. Comparatively to intact control rats, labyrinthectomized animals showed a reduced bone mineral density in distal femoral metaphysis (p = 0.007): the variations between D0 and D30 were +3.0% for controls and -13.9% for labyrinthectomized rats. No significant difference between the 2 groups was observed in the whole body mineral density. These results suggest that the peripheral vestibular apparatus is a modulator of bone mass and more specifically in weight bearing bone. We discuss possible mechanisms of this vestibular influence probably mediated by the sympathetic nervous system.