Summary
We have previously demonstrated that ethanol has a direct toxic effect on the rat skeleton characterized by decreased trabecular bone volume. In the present study, we examined the ultrastructure of the distal radial epiphyseal growth plates in these same animals. Eight weeks of ethanol administration to 12 male rats results in serum alcohol levels of 140 mg/dl but did not alter the width or light microscopic appearance of the radial growth plate. Quantitative electron microscopy failed to demonstrate morphologic evidence of toxicity in the skeletal cells. We conclude that although ethanol appears to have a direct effect on rat bone characterized by enhanced resorption, toxicity is not attended by ultrastructural changes in the skeletal cells.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Baran, D. T., Teitelbaum, S. L., Bergfeld, M. A., Parker, G., Cruvant, E. M., Avioli, L. V.: Effect of alcohol ingestion on bone and mineral metabolism in rats, Am. J. Physiol.238:E507–510, 1980
Darle, N., Ekholm, R., Edlund, Y.: Ultrastructure of the rat exocrine pancreas after long term intake of ethanol, Gastroenterology58:62–72, 1970
Rubin, E., Rybak, B. J., Lindenbaum, J., Gerson, C. D., Walker, G., Lieber, C. S.: Ultrastructural changes in the small intestine induced by ethanol, Gastroenterology63:801–814, 1972
Song, S. K., Rubin, E.: Ethanol produces muscle damage in human volunteers, Science175:327–328, 1972
Holtrop, M. E., King, G. J., Cox, K. A., Reit, B.: Time related changes in the ultrastructure of osteoclasts after injection of parathyroid hormone in young rats, Calcif. Tissue Int.27:129–135, 1979
Holtrop, M. E.: Quantitation of the ultrastructure of the osteoclast for the evaluation of cell function. In P. J. Meunier (ed.): Bone Histomorphometry, pp. 133–145. Societé de la Novelle Imprimerie Fournie, France, 1977
Aparicio, S. R., Marsden, P.: Methylene blue-basic fuchsin, J. Microsc.89:139–141, 1969
Holtrop, M. E.: The ultrastructure of the epiphyseal plate. 1. The flattened chondrocyte, Calcif. Tissue Res.9:131–139, 1972
Holtrop, M. E.: The ultrastructure of the epiphyseal plate. II. The hypertrophic chondrocyte, Calcif. Tissue Res.9:140–151, 1972
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Fallon, M.D., Baran, D.T., Craig, R.B. et al. Ultrastructure of the rat epiphyseal growth plate following chronic ethanol ingestion. Calcif Tissue Int 33, 381–384 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02409460
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02409460