Dynamic analysis of exposure to aluminum and an acidic condition on bone formation in young growing rats

The toxic effects of exposure to aluminum (Al) in an acidic condition on bone formation in young growing rats were studied. Wistar rats were divided randomly into Al-treated group (100 mg Al3+/L; pH 5.6) and control group (distilled water). Al-treated rats showed lower body weight, lower serum pH, higher accumulation of Al, in addition to disordered metabolism of calcium and phosphorus compared with control rats. The levels of parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, osteocalcin, procollagen carboxy-terminal propeptide and bone alkaline phosphatase were significantly lower in the Al-treated group than in the control group from days 90, 30, 60, 60 and 90, respectively. The bone mineral density of the distal and proximal femoral metaphysis was significantly lower in the Al-treated group than in the control group on days 120 and 150. These findings suggest that long-term Al exposure in an acidic condition inhibits bone formation and induces bone loss in young growing animals.