Effect of Age on Fracture Healing in the Rat

mRNA gene expression was measured in intact female Sprague-Dawley rats at 6 (young), 26 (adult) and 52 (older) weeks of age at the time of fracture. Samples were collected at 0, 0.4, 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after fracture. RNA from two rats were pooled for each Affymetrix Rat U34A array. Mid-shaft, simple, transverse left femoral fractures were induced after retrograde intramedullary rod fixation with a Bonnarens and Einhorn device. Samples were collected from one third of the femoral length, centered on the fracture site, including the external callus, cortical bone, and marrow elements.

54

Meyer MH, Etienne W, Meyer RA Jr