Objective: To study the effects of recombinant human growth hormone on cortical bone of middle femur and vertebra of variectomized rats.
Methods: Forty 6 month-old SD rats received low or high dose of growth hormone subcutaneously 3 months after ovariectomy for 8 weeks. Bone density and biomechanical strength of the femur were measured, and the thickness of cortical bone of the middle femur and L(2) vertebra was observed. The results were compared with those in estrogen group.
Results: Growth hormone increased the thickness of cortical bone and biomechanical strength and bone density. Estrogen therapy showed no effects on bone density and biomechanical strength of cortical bone.
Conclusion: Recombinant human growth hormone can prevent bone loss from cortical bone of ovariectomized rat.