Morphometric analysis of cancellous bone of young diabetic and non-diabetic sand rats (Psammomys obesus).

Cancellous vertebral bone of young diabetic sand rats (psammomys obesus) was compared with that of non-diabetic sand rats of the same sex and age. Of 5 morphometric diameters, 3--trabecular area, trabecular surface and osteoblastic surface--showed no statistically significant differences between test and control animals. By contrast, the 2 other parameters determined, namely lacunae containing osteoclasts as well as lacunae devoid of osteoclasts were significantly more numerous in diabetics than in controls.