A histomorphometric study regarding controversial effects of antidepressants on bone mineral density in menopause

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of amitriptyline (AMP) and paroxetine (PRO) on bone mineral density and histo-morphometrical structure using an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model. A total of 24 adult female Sprague Dawley rats underwent bilateral ovariectomy 7 days before the experiment. The OVX animals and healthy control rats were divided into four equally sized groups for 4 weeks: a native control group (native), an OVX control group that received distilled water, a group that were administered AMP, and PRO administered group. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the animals' right femurs were determined using a DEXA scan under general anesthesia at two different times: first at the initiation of drug administration after recovery of the OVX rats, and second at the end of drug administration. There was an increase in primary and secondary bone volumes in the AMP group compared with the sham group rats, and there was also a significantly lower volume of primary bone, but a higher volume of secondary bone, in the PRO group compared to AMP group. Osteoporotic histological profiles were shown as dramatic decreases of primary and secondary bone masses, and an increase of bone marrow, especially that containing adipocytes and polymorphonuclear cells, in OVX rats. BMD and risk factors for osteopenia or osteoporosis in postmenopausal women diagnosed with depression or anxiety, and on TCAs or SSRIs, should be assessed before treatment is started, and amitriptyline may be a better choice than paroxetine for maintenance of bone balance.