Differences in femoral bone microstructure between 2 month-old transgenic and non-transgenic rabbits

Abstract

Differences in microscopic structure of the femur between 2 month-old transgenic rabbits with hFVIII gene and the non-transgenic ones were investigated. Qualitative and quantitative histological characteristics of compact bone microstructure were evaluated. We observed the presence of fibrolamellar bone tissue only in transgenic rabbits. Measured values for area, perimeter, maximum and minimum diameter of the primary osteon vascular canals, the Haversian canals and the secondary osteons were higher in transgenic individuals. However, no any significant differences were identified between transgenic and non-transgenic rabbits. Anyway, our results confirmed a presence of new bone tissue type (fibrolamellar bone tissue) in 2 month-old transgenic rabbits.