Solute transport through the bone lacunar-canalieular system is believed to be essential for osteocyte survival and function. We have developed an approach that permits direct measurement of real-time solute movement in intact bones by using fluorescence recovery after phtoblcaching (TRAP) technology. The movement of vitally injected fluorescence dye (sodium fluoresccin) among individual ostcocytic lacunae was visualized in situ and the transport was analyzed by using a two-compartment mathematical model of solute diffusion.
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