Analysis of the bone metabolism by quantitative computer tomography and clinical chemistry in a primate model (Callithrix jacchus)

Background Common marmosets are widely used as experimental primates; however, little is still known about their bone physiology. Therefore, the aim of our study was to analyse body weight, age and bone‐specific blood parameters in relation to morphological bone parameters. Methods Fifty‐eight common marmosets were analysed for blood calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphor (P_i), alkaline phosphatase (AP) and 17‐β‐estradiol (E2). The examination of bone parameters was undertaken in the lumbar spine by computer tomography. Results There was a correlation between bone mineral density (BMD) and body weight, trabecular area ratio and polar moment as well as between BMD and AP or Ca (only males), whereas there were no correlations between BMD and age, P_i or E2 in all analysed genders. Conclusions Our data support the assumption that the common marmoset is a reliable primate model to study changes in bone metabolism because of the similarity of our results to humans.