Charles River provides comprehensive pathology-based services in the fields of metabolic bone disease and orthopedics. Our staff has expertise in the preparation of thick and thin sections of plastic-embedded undecalcified tissue, cryotomy of undecalcified specimens, and the application of computer-assisted image analysis for histomorphometric/histologic measurements. The image analysis can quantify structural findings in both hard and soft tissue, as well as fluorochrome label-derived dynamic changes in bones.
Our fully integrated approach to bone pathology assists pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies in study design, development strategies, regulatory submissions and project execution for therapeutics designed for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and bone regeneration. Our experienced pathologists, together with a team of highly trained technicians, provide focused and broad-based services in bone pathology:
- Histomorphometry
- Histology
- Molecular biology
Additional services in the area of bone and joint research include diagnostic radiography (standard film, digital and Faxitron) and quantitative imaging (Micro-CT), bone densitometry (DXA, pQCT), and biomechanical strength testing.
Diagnostic & Quantitative Imaging
Precise measurements of bone densitometry and bone architecture are crucial to evaluating the effects of disease or drug modification. Charles River’s state-of-the-art preclinical imaging laboratory offers high-throughput scanning of excised bones and in vivo scanning at clinically relevant sites. Equipment is available, depending on the application, including standard and high-resolution radiology, DXA, QCT, and micro-CT scanning.
Biomechanical Strength Testing
Bone strength measurements are the most critical endpoint in evaluating the effects of drug treatment on the integrity of bone and provide an important index of bone quality. Coupled with our expertise in imaging, bone strength measurements are correlated with bone densitometry parameters to evaluate the important relationship between bone mass and strength. Bones from multiple relevant laboratory species can be tested using our MTS Mini Bionix servo hydraulic testing system, validated to GLP standards.
For more information about our Musculoskeletal Pathology capabilities, contact us at 1.877.CRIVER.1 or askcharlesriver@crl.com.