Effect of diabetes on the vertebral column of rats and its modification by estradiol.

In vertebrae of genetically selected sucrose-fed diabetic rats a statistically significant bone deficit was found after diabetes had been present for about 8 months. No osteopenia was observed in diabetic rats following treatment with estrogenic hormone for 5--7 months. The development of osseous centers in the end plates of the vertebrae was retarded in diabetic rats, but was about normal in diabetic rats given estrogen. No differences were noted in the growth zones or in the tendency to develop articular lesions in rats of the various groups. Possible differences in the amount of GAG in intervertebral discs of diabetic and non-diabetic rats respectively await further confirmation.