Whitaker International Fellow, 2008-09

Home Institution: Yale University

Host Country, Institution: Switzerland, ETH Zurich Institute of Biomechanics

Project Title: The Effect of Estrogen on Mechanical Load-Induced Bone Remodeling

Project Abstract:

This project aims to characterize the effect of estrogen on bone remodeling in response to mechanical loading. In the first phase, a 4-week loaded/4-week unloaded regimen will be induced on the fifth caudal vertebra (C5) in a mouse model with periodic microCT imaging. In the second phase, the mice will be divided into groups and undergo surgery (ovariectomy without estrogen replacement, ovariectomy with estrogen replacement, and sham surgery). Another 4-week loaded/4-week unloaded regimen will be induced, followed by microCT imaging.  The microCT images from the first phase (wild type) and second phase (surgery groups) will be analyzed and the resulting changes in C5 microstructure will be assessed.