Age-related changes in size, bone microarchitecture and volumetric bone mineral density of the mandible in the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina).

ABSTRACT: Detailed knowledge of age-related changes in the structure and mineralization of bones is important for interpreting osseous changes in wild mammals caused by exposure to environmental contaminants. This study analyzed mandibular size, microarchitecture and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) in harbor seals (n = 93, age range 0.5 months to 25 years) from the German North Sea. Bone microarchitecture and vBMD were assessed using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). Significant differences were observed between the analyzed age classes (i) young juveniles (0.5-10 months), (ii) yearlings (12-23 months), and (iii) adults (12-25 years) for several of the variables, indicating an overall increase in cortical and trabecular area, cortical thickness and total a

SUBMITTER: Kahle P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6812799 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature