Bone Changes in Femoral Bone of Mice Using Calcein Labeling

Abstract

In vivo labeling of bone with fluorochromes is a widely used method for assessment of bone formation and remodeling processes. In particular, calcein is used as a marker for identification of bone growth, which is indicated by a green color. Calcein green is a calcium chelator that adheres to regions of mineralizing bone thereby allowing localization of new bone. Bone formation and remodeling in vivo can be assessed by calcium-binding calcein labeling. In this study, changes in the femoral bone of a normal mouse model at both 4 and 8 weeks were evaluated using calcein labeling. Intense deposition of calcium in the bone was observed after application for 8 weeks. A mouse model is suitable for application in in vivo experiments using genetically modified mice, such as knock-out mice, however data regarding femoral cross sectional bone in young mice are limited. The current study confirmed calcein as a useful marker for identification of bone growth, which was indicated by a green color on photomicrographs. This methodological process may provide basic information for interpreting bone formation and regeneration to pharmacologic or genetic manipulation in mice.

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“…These histomorphometry studies represent the gold standard method for the assessment of bone remodelling quantifying deposited bone structures. Calcein-fluorochrome, a calcium chelator that can be incorporated into the region of new bone deposition and mineralization, was detected in sections of non-decalcified specimens [ 83 ]. The presence of the calcein green label indicates the site, time, and amount of bone deposition so that the MAR and BFR can be calculated [ 84 ].…”