Use of biochemical markers to monitor changes in bone turnover in cynomolgus monkeys.

The ovariectomized old cynomolgus monkey is a recognized model of human osteoporosis, and the same species can be used for the assessment of the efficacy and potential toxicity of agents intended to prevent or treat osteoporosis. Several assays have been developed that can measure the same biochemical markers of bone turnover as are used in human patients for the diagnosis and treatment follow-up of bone-related diseases, including osteoporosis. The aim of the present study was to describe the results obtained with these assays in normal control monkeys, their variations with age and sex, and their sensitivity in monitoring the bone turnover induced by ovariectomy in old skeletally mature cynomolgus monkeys.