A rapid, high content, in vivo model of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

Biotechnol J. 2006 Jun;1(6):651-5. doi: 10.1002/biot.200600043.

Abstract

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is a major clinical problem given the widespread use of steroids and limited efficacy of biphosphonates. Existing animal models of GIOP are both slow and expensive. Hence, there is a need both for adjunctive modelling systems, as well as more efficacious therapies for the treatment of GIOP. We have addressed this issue through the creation of a zebrafish model of GIOP, which can be used for 96-well plate in vivo screening with an assay time of 5 days. The model demonstrates key similarities to human GIOP including a partial response to bisphosphonates. The ability to extract detailed pharmacological data, including concentration-response analyses, enables the screening and ranking of candidate therapeutic compounds. In addition, the zebrafish model is highly relevant for pathway dissection through genetic knockdown and overexpression studies.

Publication types

  • Technical Report

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcification, Physiologic / drug effects*
  • Diphosphonates / administration & dosage*
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Glucocorticoids*
  • Osteoporosis / chemically induced*
  • Osteoporosis / drug therapy*
  • Osteoporosis / pathology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Zebrafish*

Substances

  • Diphosphonates
  • Glucocorticoids