PREVENTION OF OSTEOPENIA BY LOW ENERGY ELECTRIC FIELDS

我们建议，短暂暴露于低能量，频率特定的电 场可以抑制被剥夺正常功能的骨骼中的组织损失， 功能环境。 重要的是，频率和能量特性 这些领域将类似于那些水平产生的正常 功能活动，从而表明一种内在的反馈机制， 用于通过机械负荷调节骨量。 初步结果 证明了特定的外源性电信号-基于生理 标准-可以被引入骨组织中，并用于保持骨组织。 即使在没有机械应变的情况下也是正常的静态重塑状态。 这项建议的目的是确定一个有效的制度， 利用电场来防止结构上有害的骨丢失 骨质疏松症的特征。 在这项为期四年的研究中， 将进行一系列体内实验以分离三种主要的 电磁感应电场的参数：能量，工作量 周期和频率，并评估其控制骨的潜力 重塑 我们将使用的模型，功能性分离的火鸡尺骨， 已经被研究人员开发并证明是一种有效的 骨质减少模型。 火鸡翅膀上的尺骨可以保留在 原位，同时通过移除其 关节端 功能重建反应的过程 剥夺，连同特定频率的调节作用，低 能量电磁场暴露，将在该模型中进行监测， 静态和动态组织形态测量、显微放射照相和物理 性能测量 由于对侧尺骨通过手术 不受干扰的，它将作为基线对照。 每一种的功效 信号将由它们抑制骨的相对能力决定 仅因废弃而造成的与溃疡一致的损失。 最后，能力 这些信号影响正常骨组织的程度将通过以下方式进行评估： 使未暴露于手术的完整尺骨经受骨诱导场。 我们研究的直接临床意义是预防 固定或残疾患者的骨丢失，老化和/或 绝经后人群，或长期暴露于 微重力 我们的初步结果令人鼓舞，因为它们 证明可以预防结构上有害的骨丢失， 甚至可以通过短时间暴露于极低能量电场而逆转。 然而，还必须强调的是， 需要长期预防，因此， 每日剂量足以保持结构适当的骨量， 关键是要减少异常影响的可能性催化 多年的曝光。

We propose that brief exposure to low energy, frequency specific electric fields can inhibit the loss of tissue in a bone deprived of its normal functional milieu. Importantly, the frequency and energy characteristics of these fields would be similar to those levels produced by normal functional activity, and thereby suggest an intrinsic feedback mechanism for the regulation of bone mass by mechanical loading. Preliminary results demonstrate that specific exogenous electric signals - based on physiologic criteria - can be introduced into the bone tissue and serve to retain the normal quiescent remodeling state even in the absence of mechanical strain. The objective of this proposal is to define an effective regime for utilizing electric fields to prevent the structurally deleterious bone loss characteristic of osteoporosis. In this four year study, a systematic series of in vivo experiments will be performed to isolate three principal parameters of electromagnetically induced electric fields: energy, duty cycle, and frequency, and evaluate their potential to control bone remodeling. The model we will use, the functionally isolated turkey ulna, has been developed and demonstrated by the investigators to be an effective model for osteopenia. The ulna in the wings of turkeys can be retained in situ while deprived of normal mechanical function by removal of its articular extremities. The course of the remodeling response to functional deprivation, together with the modulating effect of frequency specific, low energy electromagnetic field exposure, will be monitored in this model by static and dynamic histomorphometry, microradiography, and physical property measurement. As the contralateral ulna remains surgically undisturbed, it will serve as a baseline control. The efficacy of each signal will be determined by their relative ability to inhibit the bone loss consistent with ulnae subject to disuse alone. Finally, the capacity of these signals to influence normal bone tissue will be evaluated by subjecting intact ulnae, not exposed to surgery, to osteoinductive fields. The immediate clinical relevance of our study is towards the prevention of bone loss in the immobilized or disabled patient, the aging and/or postmenopausal population, or those subject to extended exposure to microgravity. Our preliminary results are encouraging since they demonstrate that structurally deleterious bone loss may be prevented and even reversed by short exposure to extremely low energy electric fields. However, it must also be emphasized that treatment of osteopenia will require chronic prophylaxis, and therefore identification of the minimal daily dose sufficient to retain structurally appropriate bone mass is essential to diminish the possibility of aberrant effects catalyzed by years of exposure.