SYSTEMIC EFFECTS OF VX2 CARCINOMA ON OSSEOUS SKELETON - QUANTITATIVE STUDY OF TRABECULAR BONE

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 38  (2) , 208-215
Abstract
The skeleton of rabbits bearing the transplantable VX2 carcinoma was studied by a combination of radiographic and histomorphometric techniques. It was previously shown that this tumor produces and secretes large amounts of prostaglandin E2. In vivo experiments, as well as cell and organ culture studies, led to the conclusion that the hypercalcemia observed in tumor-bearing rabbits is due to excessive secretion of prostaglandin E2 by the tumor and its subsequent action on bone throughout the organism. New findings reveal no evidence of local invasion of bone by VX2 tumor or osseous metastases; radiographic evidence of generalized osteopenia; histomorphometric documentation in trabecular bone of reduced volume density of bone matrix, consistent with increased resorption in trabecular bone at sites distant from the tumor and a marked generalized reduction in surface density of osteoblastic layers, volume density of osteoid, osteoid seam thickness and surface density of osteoid. These findings in trabecular bone of iliac crest and vertebra offer quantitative data in support of the conclusion that VX2 carcinoma affects skeletal metabolism systemically.