Decreased Collagen Organization and Content Are Associated With Reduced Strength of Demineralized and Intact Bone in the SAMP6 Mouse

Abstract

Bones from SAMP6 osteoporotic mice are weak and brittle because of a defect in the strength of the bone matrix. This defect is attributed primarily to poorer organization of collagen fibers and reduced collagen content. These findings highlight the role of the collagen component of the bone matrix in influencing skeletal fragility.