Growth and bone remodelling in a scorbutic rat model.

This study used the scorbutic Osteogenic Disorder Shionogi rat model and a specific diet to reliably induce a state of sub-scurvy scorbutus. Under these conditions overall somatic growth was assessed, as well as that of the caudal vertebrae, as an example of scorbutic bone growth. Tail loops were then used to mechanically stress mature caudal vertebrae under scorbutic conditions, and the vertebrae's adaptation to these applied forces was assessed, using measurements of bend deformation and histologic analysis of osteogenesis.