The effect of rapamycin on bone growth in rabbits

摘要: mTOR is a nutrient-sensing protein kinase that regulates numerous cellular processes. Our prior studies using the inhibitor, rapamycin, indicate an important role for in chondrogenesis. We extended our observations to physiological, vivo model of bone growth, direct infusion rapamycin into proximal tibial growth plates rabbits. Rapamycin or DMSO vehicle was infused directly by osmotic minipump 8 weeks. Tibial followed radiographically. At end experiment, were recovered histological analysis. Six animals studied. No untoward effects found. Bone limbs exposed slower than control limbs, particularly during period most rapid growth. Histological analysis revealed plate height rapamycin-infused reduced. Both hypertrophic and proliferative zones significantly smaller limbs. Direct decreased size inhibited overall long appears affect both plate. results nutrients may exert effect on via mTOR-mediated modulation chondrogenesis at suggest possible inhibitory skeletal warrant further attention before its use children.