Gallium increases bone calcium and crystallite perfection of hydroxyapatite Journal Article


Authors: Bockman, R. S.; Boskey, A. L.; Blumenthal, N. C.; Alcock, N. W.; Warrell, R. P. Jr
Article Title: Gallium increases bone calcium and crystallite perfection of hydroxyapatite
Abstract: Gallium, a group IIIa metal, is known to interact with hydroxyapatite as well as the cellular components of bone. In recent studies we have found gallium to be a potent inhibitor of bone resorption that is clinically effective in controlling cancer-related hypercalcemia as well as the accelerated bone resorption associated with bone metastases. To begin to elucidate gallium's mechanism of action we have examined its effects on bone mineral properties. After short-term (14 days) administration to rats, gallium nitrate produced measurable changes in bone mineral properties. Using atomic absorption spectroscopy, low levels of gallium were noted to preferentially accumulate in regions of active bone formation, 0.54±.07 μg/mg bone in the metaphyses versus 0.21±.03 μg/mg bone in the diaphyses, P<0.001. The bones of treated animals had increased calcium content measured spectrophotometrically. Rats injected with radiolabeled calcium during gallium treatment had greater 45-calcium content compared to control animals. By wide-angle X-ray analyses, larger and/or more perfect hydroxyapatite was observed. The combined effects of gallium on bone cell function and bone mineral may explain its clinical efficacy in blocking accelerated bone resorption. © 1986 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
Keywords: comparative study; animal; body weight; calcium; drug effect; rat; bone; rats; bone and bones; crystallization; hydroxyapatite; durapatite; phosphate; phosphates; carbonates; x ray diffraction; gallium; x-ray diffraction; bone mineral; gallium nitrate; female; article; carbonic acid derivative; support, non-u.s. gov't; support, u.s. gov't, p.h.s.; hydroxyapatites
Journal Title: Calcified Tissue International
Volume: 39
Issue: 6
ISSN: 0171-967X
Publisher: Springer  
Date Published: 1986-11-01
Start Page: 376
End Page: 381
Language: English
DOI: 10.1007/bf02555174
PUBMED: 3026592
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 18 August 2021 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Raymond P Warrell
    175 Warrell
  2. Nancy Alcock
    23 Alcock
  3. Richard Bockman
    24 Bockman