AI Insight
This protocol presents standardized mouse models for studying two types of jaw bone death: bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis (BRONJ) and radiation-induced osteonecrosis (ORNJ). The BRONJ model combines systemic zoledronic acid treatment with minimally invasive tooth extraction using specialized instruments, while the ORNJ model employs custom lead shielding to deliver precise radiation to the jaw. Both approaches minimize tissue damage and procedural variation, enabling reproducible study of disease mechanisms and potential treatments through imaging, microscopy, and molecular analysis.
Why it matters
These models provide researchers with reliable, standardized tools to investigate jaw osteonecrosis, serious complications affecting cancer patients receiving bisphosphonates or radiation therapy. The minimally invasive techniques reduce animal suffering while improving experimental consistency, potentially accelerating discovery of preventive strategies and treatments for these debilitating conditions.
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⚠️ Preprint – Noch nicht peer-reviewed
Dieser Artikel wurde noch nicht von unabhängigen Experten begutachtet. Die Ergebnisse sind vorläufig und sollten mit Vorsicht interpretiert werden.
This protocol describes a standardized and reproducible minimally invasive approach for establishing mouse models of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) and osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORNJ). The method combines a unified low-trauma oral surgical procedure with disease-specific injury induction strategies to generate robust and clinically relevant models of jaw osteonecrosis. For BRONJ, systemic zoledronic acid administration is coupled with mandibular first molar extraction using tape-assisted mouth opening and customized bent micro-forceps, minimizing soft tissue damage and reducing procedural variability. For ORNJ, a customized lead-shielding platform enables precise, noninvasive mandible-targeted irradiation, producing reproducible bone injury while limiting off-target radiation exposure. Together, these complementary models provide a consistent and minimally invasive framework for investigating jaw osteonecrosis arising from distinct etiologies. The protocol supports comprehensive downstream analyses, including micro-computed tomography, histology, and immunofluorescence, and facilitates mechanistic studies of disease pathogenesis, bone regeneration, and therapeutic intervention.