WBN/Kob rat: a new model of spontaneous diabetes, osteopenia and systemic hemosiderin deposition

A long-term investigation of bone mineral metabolism in a newly developed strain, the WBN/Kob rat, which spontaneously develops diabetes, possibly due in part to hemosiderin deposition, was conducted. WBN/Kob rats used in this study developed diabetes after 9 months of age. Bone mass peaked at 6 months or 8 months of age, and femoral breaking strength was maximal at 8 months of age, declining rapidly after the development of diabetes. In contrast, both the bone mass and the mechanical strength increased up to 14 months of age in controls. The serum osteocalcin (BGP) levels were lower at 4 months of age and serum l,25(OH)₂D levels were significantly lower throughout the study in WBN/Kob rats than in controls. These results suggest that abnormal bone and mineral metabolism is present in WBN/Kob rats before the onset of diabetes, and that bone strength and BMD decrease simultaneously with the development of diabetes. This strain can serve as a useful model, not only of hemosiderosis and diabetes, but also of osteopenia.