Calcium-phosphorus Ratio Research Articles

Increased proportion of hypermineralized osteocyte lacunae in osteoporotic and osteoarthritic human trabecular bone: Implications for bone remodeling

Hypermineralized osteocyte lacunae (micropetrosis) have received little research attention. While they are a known aspect of the aging human skeleton, no data are available for pathological bone. In this study, intertrochanteric trabecular bone cores were obtained from patients at surgery for osteoporotic (OP) femoral neck fracture (10F, 4M, 65–94years), for hip osteoarthritis (OA; 7F, 8M, 62–87years), and femora at autopsy (CTL; 5F, 11M, 60–84years). Vertebral trabecular bone cores were also obtained from the vertebra of autopsy cases (CVB; 3F, 6M, 53–83years). Specimens were resin-embedded, polished, and carbon coated for quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometry, and imaging analysis. Bone mineralization (Wt %Ca) was not different between OP, OA, and CTL; but was greater in femoral CTL than in CVB. The percent of hypermineralized osteocyte lacunae relative to the total number (HL/TL) was greater in OP and OA than in CTL. However, relative to bone mineral area, OP was characterised by increased hypermineralized osteocyte lacunar number density (Hd.Lc.Dn), whereas OA was characterised by decreased osteocyte lacunar number density (Lc.Dn) and total osteocyte lacunar number density (Tt.Lc.Dn). Lc.Dn was higher in CVB than in femoral CTL. The calcium–phosphorus ratio (RCa/P) was not different between hypermineralized osteocyte lacunae and bone matrix in each group. In addition, this study focused on the phenomenon of osteocyte lacunae hypermineralization using qBEI. Seven morphological types of osteocyte lacunae hypermineralization were described according to the presence of one or several hypermineralized spherites, associated or not with a hypermineralized lacunar ring. This study has described, for the first time, the morphology of hypermineralized osteocyte lacunae in OP and OA human bone. Further studies are suggested to investigate the functional influence of hypermineralized osteocyte lacunae on bone remodeling and bone biomechanical properties.

Effect of Surface Characteristics on Bioactivity of Ceramic Coating on Ti6al4v by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation

The surface topographic of ceramic coating on Ti6Al4V alloy, which was fabricated by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation, was investigated by SEM and 3D profile. The chemical compositions and the phase structures were detected by EDS, XRD, FT-IR. The PEO coating shows a rough porous morphology and the chemical phases are anatase and rutile TiO2. In addition, both of calcium-phosphorus ratios of the two samples were above 1.67. The bioactivity was focused on after soaking in SBF (simulated body fluid). It can be concluded by the experimental data that the surface roughness and the composition are corelated to form hydroxyapatite (HA), and the coatings containing Ca and P can induce bioapatite quickly.

Available phosphorus levels in diets for 30 to 60 kg female pigs selected for meat deposition by maintaining calcium and available phosphorus ratio

With the objective to evaluate levels of available phosphorus (aP) in diets for pigs selected for meat deposition by maintaining the calcium and available phosphorus ratio, it was used 50 commercial hybrid female pigs with initial weight of 30.32 ± 0.29 kg, distributed in a complete randomized experimental design, with five treatments, five replicates, and two animals per experimental unit. Treatments were composed of a corn-soybean meal basal diet and four diets obtained by supplementation of basal diet with dicalcium phosphate, resulting in diets with 0.144; 0.224; 0.304; 0.384 and 0.464% of aP. Calcium levels were adjusted by varying the quantities of limestone in the diets. There was no effect of aP on both daily feed intake and feed conversion. Levels of aP affected daily weight gain which increased quadratically up to the estimated level of 0.372%. There was no effect of aP on quantity of phosphorus in the bones. The quantity of calcium in the bones and percentage of ash in the bones were influenced in an increasing linear way by the aP in the rations. The best result of weight gain of swine females, from 30 to 60 kg, genetically selected for meat deposition, is provided by the level of available phosphorus of 0.372%, which corresponds to a relationship with calcium of 2.06:1 and to a daily intake of 8.20 g of available phosphorus.

WYTRZYMAŁOŚĆ KOŚCI PISZCZELOWYCH (ossis tibiae) ŚWIŃ RODZIMEJ RASY ZŁOTNICKIEJ PSTREJ ORAZ MIESZAŃCÓW RAS WIELKIEJ BIAŁEJ POLSKIEJ I POLSKIEJ BIAŁEJ ZWISŁOUCHEJ

The purpose of this study was to compare the bone strength traits in two groups of pigs different in terms of genetic value, fast growth capability and meat deposition in the body. The study covered 33 fatteners of the Złotnicka Spotted breed (ZŁP) and 20 crossbreds F1 (Polish Large White x Polish Landrace). Tibial bones were obtained following slaughter and evaluated in terms of properties and geometry, as well as bending and compressive strength. Mineral composition of the bone tissue was also established, i.e.: ash, Ca, P, Na, K, Zn and Mg. The significance of differences between the traits demonstrated by pigs in both groups subject to the study was estimated, with calculated overall correlations between the primary bone properties. The results confirmed significant differences in terms of geometry of the bones in both animal groups. In the ZŁP breed pigs, compared to the F1 crossbred group (PLW x PL), the outside and inside diameters of the tibial shaft were smaller (P ≤ 0.01), yet the average thickness of the wall of the bone was slightly larger. The bending force required to fracture the bone turned out to be lower in Złotnicka Spotted pigs, the opposite of the results obtained with regard to the compressive strength. Furthermore, calcium content, calcium-phosphorus ratio (Ca : P) and sodium content were highly statistically or significantly larger in the bone tissue of the Złotnicka Spotted pigs. Consequently, the final results show that the bone strength demonstrated by modern pig breeds subject to intensive selection focused on high growth rate and increased meat deposition is in no way lower than the same trait recognized in the Złotnicka Spotted breed kept in preservative breeding conditions.

Clinical, mineral and haemato biochemical studies of urolithiasis in weaner lambs

Retrospective study on necropsy data pertaining to urolithiasis in sheep was conducted to observe the epidemiological profile in semi-arid Rajasthan. Subsequently in year 2008, a total of 27 weaner lambs comprised of 23 clinically affected with urolithiasis and 4 clinically healthy lambs were undertaken to studythe mineral and haemato biochemical profile in an attempt to find out the probable cause of the menace. During the period, out of 23 diseased lambs 11 were and they subjected to post-mortem examination for confirmation of urolithiasis. The confirmed urolith cases had slightly higher Hb, PCV, TEC, RBC, WBC and epithelial casts in urine, and significantly higher serum urea creatinine, magnesium and copper compared to suspected and healthy animals. The study revealed that abnormal calcium–phosphorus ratio is predisposing the animals to urolithiasis; however; other interrelated factors needs to be explored to formulate the effective preventive measures. Key words: Urolithiasis, sheep, hematology, biochemical profile, mineral profile.

Study of bone mineral density in resident doctors working at a teaching hospital

The erratic lifestyle of resident doctors may affect their serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25-(OH)D] levels and bone mineral density (BMD). To study BMD and the effect of environmental factors on it in resident doctors. Prospective, cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary healthcare centre. BMD was obtained by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and was correlated with various factors including weight, height, body mass index (BMI), sun exposure, physical activity, parathyroid hormone, 25-(OH)D, dietary factors. Statistical Analysis : SPSS software Version 10 (Unpaired t test was used to compare BMD of different groups and Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to calculate correlation). Two hundred and fourteen apparently healthy resident doctors were enrolled in the study. Based on Caucasian normative data, osteopenia was noted in 104 (59.7%) males and 27 (67.5%) females. Thirty-two (18.39%) males and five (12.5%) females had osteoporosis. The BMD values of males were 0.947+/-0.086, 0.911+/-0.129 and 1.016+/-0.133 at lumbar spine, femur neck and total hip while those in females were 0.981+/-0.092, 0.850+/-0.101 and 0.957+/-0.103 respectively. BMD of our cohort was lesser by 12.5-18.2% and 4.2-14.5% than the Caucasian and available Indian figures, respectively. BMD had significant positive correlation with weight, height, BMI, physical activity, and dietary calcium phosphorus ratio. 25-(OH)D levels were insufficient in 175 (87.5%) subjects but had no correlation with BMD. Young healthy resident doctors had significantly lower BMD, contributors being lower BMI, lower height, reduced bioavailability of dietary calcium and inadequate physical activity. Deficiency of vitamin D did not contribute to low BMD.

Using human neural crest-derived progenitor cells to investigate osteogenesis: An in vitro study

Human tooth contains a distinct population of neural crest-derived progenitor cells (dNC-PCs) which are known to give rise to specialized daughter cells of an osteogenic lineage. We hypothesised that dNC-PCs could develop into neural crest-derived bone in a self-propagating and extracorporal culture system. Thus, we examined the three-dimensional structure obtained from osteogenic-stimulated dNC-PCs by morphological, biochemical and spectroscopic methods. After the onset of stimulation, cells formed a multilayer with outer cells covering the surface and inner cells secreting a hyaline matrix. With prolonged culture, multilayers contracted and formed a three-dimensional construct which subsequently converted to a calcified mass. Differentiation of progenitor cells was associated with apoptosis. Cell types which survived were smooth muscle actin-positive cells and bone-like cells. The expression of osteoblastic markers and the secretion of a collagenous matrix indicate that the bone cells had acquired their functional phenotype. Furthermore, these cells produced and secreted membrane-bound vesicles into the newly forming matrix. Consequently, an early biomineralized extracellular matrix was found with calcium phosphate deposits being associated with the newly formed collagen matrix framework. The molar calcium–phosphorus-ratio of the mineralized collagen indicated that amorphous calcium phosphate was present within this matrix. The data suggest that stimulated cultures of dNC-PCs are able to recapitulate some processes of the early phase of osteogenesis.

Hungarian national dietary survey, 2003–2004

In the course of the 3 rd national nutritional survey data were collected in 2003, and the paper on the energy and nutrition intake of a sample group consisting of 1179 people all aged above 19, was published in the Hungarian Medical Journal (Vol. 146, No. 34, 2005). The present paper focuses on one group of micronutrients, namely the minerals’ intake. The authors evaluated the results mainly in comparison with the data of the two previous Hungarian national surveys, and the international and national recommendations. The average magnesium intake was considered adequate in both sexes, while iron, zinc and copper intakes also met the recommended level in men. On the other hand, the insufficient calcium and the excessive phosphorus intakes, as well as the disproportionate calcium-phosphorus ratio in both sexes are unfavourable facts. The adverse results include insufficient iron, zinc and copper intake in women and the excessive sodium intake in both sexes, as well. The authors emphasize the importance of spreading the principles of healthy nutrition as well as co-operating with the food industry in order to prevent the occurrence of mineral nutrients deficiency.

Dietary calcium, protein, and phosphorus are related to bone mineral density and content in young women

Dietary factors have been implicated in modifying bone health, although the results remain controversial, particularly in young women. The objective of the study was to determine relations of selected dietary factors and anthropometric measurements to bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine, femoral neck, trochanter, Ward's triangle, radius, and total body and the bone mineral content (BMC) of the spine, radius, and total body. The study was a cross-sectional analysis of 215 women aged 18-31 y. Weight, height, and lean mass were correlated with bone mineral measures at every site (r = 0.17-0.78). Postmenarcheal age (years since onset of menses) was positively correlated with total-body BMD and BMC, radius BMD and BMC, and spine BMC, and negatively correlated with Ward's triangle BMD. Radius BMD was correlated with protein, calcium, and phosphorus intakes, and spine BMD and BMC were correlated with energy, protein, calcium, and phosphorus intakes. These correlations remained significant when postmenarcheal age, lean mass, and fat mass were controlled. A pattern emerged in multiple regression analyses that showed a complex relation among calcium, protein or phosphorus, and the calcium-protein or calcium-phosphorus ratio and spine or total-body BMC and BMD. All 3 variables (calcium, protein or phosphorus, and calcium-protein or calcium-phosphorus ratio) were required in the model for significance. Anthropometric measures were predictors of bone mass. A single ratio of calcium to phosphorus or protein did not optimize bone mass across the range of calcium intakes.

Clinical nutrition of small psittacines and passerines

There is an increasing volume of work on the nutritional requirements of small psittacine and passerine species and this, together with the extensive nutritional studies of poultry, provides a basis for nutritional guidelines for pet birds. Most of the small psittacine and passerine species are granivorous, but not all the nutritional requirements can be met by an unsupplemented seed diet. Macronutrient and energy requirements can usually be met by a seed-based diet, but during reproduction and growth, the requirement for macronutrients, particularly protein, is considerably increased. Diets should be designed to provide a minimum of 10% to 14% of dietary protein for adult birds and 15% to 20% for growing birds. There is no advantage in providing excess dietary protein, and levels of 25% and greater have been shown to have detrimental effects in growing birds. With respect to micronutrients, imbalances in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D are some of the more commonly observed nutritional disorders, particularly in reproducing and growing birds. Seed-based diets tend to have a low calcium-phosphorus ratio, which should be adjusted to an optimal ratio of 2:1 through supplementation. Further mineral imbalances that have been documented in pet birds include iodine insufficiency, which causes goiter, and iron, which is more often associated with symptoms of toxicity. The other micronutrient imbalance that most commonly affects birds is vitamin A, and both insufficiency and toxicity are frequently observed. Seed-based diets do not contain enough s-carotene to prevent vitamin A deficiency, and oversupplementation with very rich sources, such as cod liver oil, can result in hypervitaminosis A. This article reviews the latest information on the specific macro- and micronutrient requirements of small psittacines and passerines. It provides guidelines on the minimum and maximum requirements for maintenance, growth, and reproduction and discusses the clinical conditions commonly associated with malnutrition in birds.

Low Serum Calcium and High Parathyroid Hormone Levels in Neonates Fed 'Humanized' Cow's Milk—Based Formula

We previously suggested that "late" neonatal hypocalcemia is related to a low calcium-phosphorus ratio of current cow's milk-based formula compared with human milk. However, there are no longitudinal studies of ionized calcium and parathyroid hormone concentrations in neonates receiving formulas with varying Ca/P ratios. Sixty-nine term neonates were studied through 2 weeks of age, and formula-fed neonates were randomized at birth to receive formula with molar ratios of 0.9, 1.2, or 1.4. Serum phosphate concentrations on days 2 and 6 of age were higher, and ionized calcium levels lower on days 6 and 14, in formula-fed vs human milk-fed neonates. Serum intact parathyroid hormone level increased between days 2 and 6 in formula-fed neonates compared with a decrease in human milk-fed neonates. Serum parathyroid hormone level on day 6 correlated with phosphorus intake among formula-fed neonates. No differences were noted in serum mineral or hormone levels among formula-fed groups. We speculate that the lowering of serum ionized calcium concentrations in neonates fed a modern "humanized" cow's milk formula may be a factor in late neonatal hypocalcemia.

Parathyroid hormone is not required for normal milk composition or secretion or lactation-associated Bone loss in normocalcemic Rats

To determine if parathyroid hormone (PTH) is essential for lactation in rats, the parathyroid glands were removed surgically during the first week of lactation and the rats were given a diet containing a high calcium-phosphorus ratio to maintain a normal serum calcium concentration. Lactating rats were placed on diet containing 1.2% calcium (Ca) and 0.8, 0.6, or 0.4% phosphorus (P) on day 2 postpartum (PP) and were parathyroidectomized (PTX) at 4-6 days PP. At 10 days PP serum Ca was 10.5 +/- 0.2 mg/dl (mean +/- SEM) for PTX rats and 10.4 +/- 0.3 mg/dl in sham-operated lactating rats when the diet contained 0.6% P. When the diet P was 0.8%, the litters gained little or no weight and serum Ca fell to 6.9 +/- 0.6 mg/dl by day 10 PP in PTX rats compared with 10.2 +/- 0.2 mg/dl in sham rats. PTX rats fed the diet containing 1.2% Ca and 0.6% P maintained a normal serum Ca level until at least day 18 PP, but their serum P levels fell gradually from approximately 5 mg/dl at 10 days to 3 mg/dl at 18 days PP. In spite of this hypophosphatemia, the litters of PTX and sham rats had gained the same amount of weight by age 16 days, indicating equal milk production in the two groups. Milk Ca, P, and total solids were not significantly different between PTX and sham rats on day 11 PP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Calcium/phosphorus ratios of femurs of male and female fischer-344 rats exposed to halocarbon 27-S

Halocarbon 27-S (H 27-S) is a polymer of chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE). Since metabolism of CTFE yields inorganic fluoride, it was believed that H 27-S would also yield fluoride in the blood. Exposure to fluorine results in deposition in bone as calcium fluoride or fluorapatite. Deposition of fluoride in the bone matrix should result in an altered calcium phosphorus ratio (CaP). The objective of this study was to determine the CaP of femurs of male and female rats exposed subchronically to H 27-S using energy dispersive x-ray analysis techniques and to compare CaP from exposed rats with the CaP of control rats.Male and female rats were dosed daily with 2.5 g H 27-S/kg body weight by gavage for 7 or 21 days. Rats were sacrificed at 7, 21 and 35 days (14 days after the 21 day dosing). Femurs of three rats of each sex and each group were analyzed.

Nutritional Remarks for Daily Meals Consuming Convenience Foods

To identify the nutritional problems of daily meals consuming many kinds of convenience foods in families in an urbanizing area in Japan, 140 housewives who had school children 12 years old were interviewed with questionnaires in November 1985. The convenience foods which consist of all types in market were classified into 3 categories in terms of the composition of food stuffs. Giving a score to each category of food, the use of convenience foods was measured for each family. disadvantaies assessed among the high use families were as follows: 1) Level of minerals and vitamins intake were less sufficient than standards of RDI, even though levels of energy, protein and fat were enough and/or excess. 2) indicators, i.e., fat energy ratio, protein energy ratio, animal fat ratio, animal protein ratio, and calcium phosphorus ratio showed almost same in all groups. 3) Incidence of well balanced diet was 13%, poor balanced diet and undernourished diet were most prevalent 45% and 42% families respectively. 4) The state of low quality or inadequate nutritional balance was identified more clearly by the nutritional balance indices, like the Nutritional Suitable Score, Index of Quality, and Nutritional Balance Area.

Dental caries, enamel composition, and subsistence among prehistoric Amerindians of Ohio.

Six populations of prehistoric Amerindians from Ohio are sampled to establish the relationship of enamel composition and dental caries experience. The populations used included groups practicing hunting-gathering-fishing and maize horticulture, and they represent at least two major cultural traditions, the Late Archaic/Glacial Kame (1000-500 BC) and the Fort Ancient and Sandusky Bay Traditions (AD) 1200-1600). Characterization of enamel composition is achieved using scanning electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. Thirteen elements present are quantified, and they are analyzed with respect to each population's subsistence base using correspondence analysis. Evaluations of cariogenic and cariostatic effects of elements are made on the basis of caries frequency comparisons among the populations. Results indicate that zinc, copper, iron, nickel, and calcium-phosphorus ratio distinguish populations exhibiting high, moderate, and low caries frequency as well as discriminate hunter-gathers from maize horticulturalists.

The Effect of Dietary Levels of Calcium and Phosphorus on Performance and Retention of These Nutrients by Laying Hens

Abstract The first experiment utilized three levels of calcium (3.5, 4.5, and 5.5%) and three levels of available phosphorus (.24, .44, and .64%). The birds were 56 weeks old at the beginning of the experiment and were fed the experimental diets for 16 weeks. Egg production, egg weight, feed consumption, plasma calcium and phosphorus, egg shell quality, and tibia ash were not significantly affected by different dietary levels of calcium. Dietary levels of phosphorus did not have a significant effect on the aforementioned parameters, except that feed consumption and plasma level of phosphorus were significantly lower with the lowest level of dietary phosphorus. The absolute retention of calcium was increased but that of phosphorus decreased with increasing levels of calcium. Dietary levels of phosphorus did not significantly affect the absolute retention of calcium or phosphorus. The second experiment used four levels of calcium (3.5, 4.5, 5.5, and 6.5%). The birds were 42 weeks old at the beginning of the experiment and were fed the experimental diets for 20 weeks. Production parameters were not significantly affected by different dietary levels of calcium. The third experiment used three levels of calcium (3.5, 5.0, and 6.5%). Birds were 80 weeks old at the beginning of the experiment and were fed the experimental diets for 16 weeks. Egg production and egg weight were significantly lower with 6.5% than with lower levels of calcium. These experiments suggest that high dietary levels of calcium may affect the performance of old hens. Short duration of high calcium feeding does not seem to affect significantly the performance of younger hens. Absence of a significant interaction between calcium and phosphorus on production parameters indicates that calcium-phosphorus ratio is not as crucial in the laying hens as in the growing chicks.

Influence of Dietary Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc and Sodium Phytate Level on Cataract Incidence, Growth and Histopathology in Juvenile Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

To determine the influence of wide variations in dietary levels of calcium, zinc and phytic acid (as sodium phytate) on growth and cataract incidence, juvenile chinook salmon held at 10–11°C were fed daily to satiation for 105 d one of nine purified diets containing one of three levels (grams/kilogram) of calcium (averaged 4.8, 17.7, 50.2), zinc (averaged 0.05, 0.15, 0.39) and phytic acid (1.62, 6.46, 25.8). Diets were formulated to have a calcium-phosphorus ratio of close to unity when considering phosphorus sources other than sodium phytate. High dietary phytic acid concentration (25.8 g/kg) depressed chinook salmon growth, food and protein conversion [protein efficiency ratio (PER)] and thyroid function, increased mortality, promoted cataract formation (zinc at 0.05 g/kg) and induced anomalies in pyloric cecal structure. Calcium at 51 g/kg (or phosphorus) exacerbated the effects of high dietary phytate and low dietary zinc on cataract incidence. Moreover, high dietary levels of calcium (48–51 g/kg) coupled with phosphorus significantly impaired the growth and appetite of low phytic acid (1.62 g/kg) groups and led to nephrocalcinosis in low and high phytic acid groups. Plasma zinc levels were directly related to dietary zinc concentration and inversely related to dietary phytic acid level. Calcium (51 g/kg) and/or phosphorus reduced zinc bioavailability when the diet concurrently contained 0.05 g zinc and 25.8 g of phytic acid per kilogram. It is concluded that zinc is essential for normal eye development in juvenile chinook salmon. Further, zinc deficiency could not be induced in chinook salmon fed diets with high ratios of calcium (or phosphorus) to zinc alone. This required the simultaneous presence of a strong mineral (zinc)-binding agent.

The effect of fertilizer nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on the calcium, magnesium and phosphorus status of pasture cut for silage

SUMMARYPhysiological problems in some Fife dairy herds were thought to be associated with mineral imbalance in grass cut for silage. Consequently trials at two sites were conducted to study the effects of three levels of nitrogen and phosphorus and two levels of potassium on yield and composition of pasture cut for silage.Nitrogen increased yield of herbage and reduced its clover content whereas phosphorus and potassium had little effect on yield or clover content. Herbage clover content and calcium concentration declined over the period of the experiment. Mean concentrations of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus were 5·8, 1·7 and 3·4 g/kg respectively. Concentrations of these minerals varied more with time of cutting and with season than with level of applied phosphorus and potassium.Nitrogen tended to reduce calcium concentration in mixed herbage and to increase magnesium concentration in the grass component; it did not affect herbage phosphorus concentrations, but narrowed the calcium-phosphorus ratio in the second cuts. Applied phosphorus increased herbage phosphorus concentration only at the site with the lower soil phosphorus status. Potassium tended to reduce magnesium concentration in clover and, at one site, in mixed herbage; it also tended to reduce herbage phosphorus concentrations in second cuts.Mineral uptake was increased by applied nitrogen. Mean annual uptake of calcium magnesium and phosphorus was 34, 10 and 20 kg/ha respectively.The effects of treatments on concentration and balance of these minerals are discussed in relation to ruminant requirements and maintenance of suitable levels of the minerals in the soil.It is concluded that normal applications of NPK fertilizer are not detrimental to satisfactory mineral balance in pasture.

Mineral Content in Creeping Bluestem as Affected by Time of Cutting

Mineral Content in Creeping Bluestem as Affected by Time of Cutting

Osteogenesis Imperfecta: An SEM and TEM Study of Cellular and Matrix Characteristics

Samples of bone were obtained with appropriate consent from 27 patients with Osteogenesis imperfecta (O.I.). The samples were processed by conventional techniques and specimens viewed with a Novascan SEM, AEI Corinth TEM and a Cambridge SEM scope fitted with a Nuclear Semiconductor energy dispersive unit. For each bone sample specimens were conserved for light microscopy as well as SEM and TEM. The H & E slides were used to determine the architecture of the sample, to ascertain if a portion of the vascular bed was present and to obtain a ratio of osteocyte to matrix. SEM was used to compare the topography to that of normal bone. TEM was used for cellular and matrix details. The energy dispersive unit in association with the Cambridge SEM was used to estimate the concentration of bone minerals and to obtain the calcium phosphorus ratio for each specimen.O.I. is a familial disease which presents with a range of clinical entities