Effect of Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) on Replantation of Amputated Legs in a Rat Model

ABSTRACT

Bone atrophy following replantation of an amputated extremity is related to the decrease of blood flow and to disuse. The effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on bone atrophy and bone formation was the subject of the reported study. Lewis rats were divided into amputated and replanted, and non-amputated groups, with the groups further divided into subgroups, with and without the administration of PTH. The agent (0.8 U/0.2 ml) was administered subcutaneously three times a week for 5 consecutive weeks, while controls were given 0.1 percent BSA buffer solution (0.2 ml) subcutaneously three times a week for 5 consecutive weeks. Subsequently, the animals were anesthetized, blood samples were taken, and tibias were extracted before sacrifice. Laboratory evaluations included bone assays and the measurement of bone mass and volume.

In the group given PTH after amputation and replantation, there was increased bone formation, together with significant increases in bone Ca, bone P, ash content volume, and volume and serum alkaline phosphatase (Al-p), in comparison with the other groups. The administration of PTH after amputation and replantation was comparatively effective in mitigating the amount of bone damage.