Abstract
Traumatic burn increases bone fractures in children and osteopenia in adults. Using our burn unloading model in rats (BU), we have previously observed a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD), content (BMC), and strength 14 days after burn. Insulin infusion is readily used for glucose control with burn patients and improves burn induced hypermetabolic responses, however the direct effect of insulin on bone is not well documented. In the present study we determined the effects of daily insulin treatment on BMD, BMC and strength using BU. Male rats were randomized into two groups: BU‐Vehicle (BUV; n=7) or BU‐Insulin‐Treated (BUI; n=6). Rats received a 40% total body surface area scald burn and following recovery were immediately hindlimb unloaded. Daily subcutaneous injections were either long‐acting insulin (5U/kg/day) or 0.9% saline. On day 14 after injury femurs were collected for DEXA scan and 3‐point breaking strength. No differences were observed in BMD. BUI showed a significant decrease in BMC, however no differences were observed in overall bone strength between the groups. Based on these results, insulin therapy at the current dose may not be effective for maintaining bone in burn patients. Funding: US Army MRMC & Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
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