Peak bone mass occurs between 2.5 and 3 years of age. Preliminary results of a standardization study of an adult SMS osteopenia model are very encouraging. Preliminary results of a limb suspension study using intact adult SMS are also very encouraging. The calcium restricted ovariectomized SMS and the new SMS adult osteopenia models appear to be useful models of osteopenia and trabecular plate perforation and promising models for the study of the influence of microstructural changes on bone biomechanics. Miniature swine have been used as a model of osteopenia at Sinclair Research Center since 1989.
Miniature swine have a lot to offer to the field of osteoporosis.
The following is a summary listing of the positive attributes of miniature swine for osteoporosis research. The miniature swine is a remodeling species with trabecular as well as intra-cortical remodeling. Adult body size is similar to humans. Bone development is well documented in miniature swine. Miniature swine is the species of choice for trans-dermal drug delivery.