Experimental osteoporosis--different methods of ovariectomy in female white rats.

UNLABELLED Rats are currently principal laboratory animals, used to investigate osteoporosis. The aim of the study was to present and compare two operative methods of inducing osteoporosis in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten 3 months old female Wistar rats were divided into two groups with five animals in each group. In the first group, ovariectomy was preceded by a mid-line dorsal skin incision, 3 cm long. After removing the ovary, the previous incision of the muscle required suturing. In the second group, ovariectomy was performed by two dorso-lateral incisions, approximately 1 cm long above the ovaries. With the use of a sharp dissecting scissors, the skin was cut almost together with the dorsal muscles and the peritoneal cavity was accessed. There was no need of muscle suturing. CONCLUSION The operation, performed in the second group, was technically easier, less time consuming and less harmful for the used female white rats.