[Morphologic scanning electron microscopic study of quantitative variations in the endosseous diaphyseal surface in normal and osteoporotic rats].

An ultrastructure study (S.E.M.) was performed on adult albino rats of the age, sex, and weight in order to assess the qualitative and quantitative variations in the endosteal diaphyseal surface of limbs relieved of mechanical stresses by means of prolonged cast immobilization. The final results confirmed the primary role played by osteoclasts and vascular bone channels, the latter of which open into the diaphysis, during resorption of compact diaphyseal bone, which occurs to the detriment of the bone surfaces in deposition and at rest.