Osteopenia in mice with genetic diabetes.

Bone mass and growth were studied in mice with genetic diabetes (db/db) characterized by obesity, hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia, in their lean litter mates (db/+) and in non-diabetic mice of the same strain (+/+). No significant difference was observed between db/+ and +/+ mice. The length, bone mass, bone mineral mass, bone mineral density and content of moisture of the tibia of the db/db mice were significantly decreased compared with the db/+ and +/+ mice. Microradiographs of the distal femur diaphysis of the db/db mice showed a significant reduction of the spongious bone area and of the number and thickness of bone trabeculae with a normal mineralization. The amount of osteoid was significantly increased in the db/db mice. The area of cortical bone of the tibia epiphysis of the db/db mice was significantly decreased compared with the db/+ and +/+ mice. The data suggest the occurrence of osteopenia due to decreased mineralization in mice with genetic diabetes.