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Loss of equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 in mice leads to progressive ectopic mineralization of spinal tissues resembling diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis in humans.
- Source :
-
Journal of bone and mineral research : the official journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research [J Bone Miner Res] 2013 May; Vol. 28 (5), pp. 1135-49. - Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a noninflammatory spondyloarthropathy, characterized by ectopic calcification of spinal tissues. Symptoms include spine pain and stiffness, and in severe cases dysphagia and spinal cord compression. The etiology of DISH is unknown and there are no specific treatments. Recent studies have suggested a role for purine metabolism in the regulation of biomineralization. Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1) transfers hydrophilic nucleosides, such as adenosine, across the plasma membrane. In mice lacking ENT1, we observed the development of calcified lesions resembling DISH. By 12 months of age, ENT1(-/-) mice exhibited signs of spine stiffness, hind limb dysfunction, and paralysis. Micro-computed tomography (µCT) revealed ectopic mineralization of paraspinal tissues in the cervical-thoracic region at 2 months of age, which extended to the lumbar and caudal regions with advancing age. Energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis of lesions revealed a high content of calcium and phosphorus with a ratio similar to that of cortical bone. At 12 months of age, histological examination of ENT1(-/-) mice revealed large, irregular accumulations of eosinophilic material in paraspinal ligaments and entheses, intervertebral discs, and sternocostal articulations. There was no evidence of mineralization in appendicular joints or blood vessels, indicating specificity for the axial skeleton. Plasma adenosine levels were significantly greater in ENT1(-/-) mice than in wild-type, consistent with loss of ENT1--a primary adenosine uptake pathway. There was a significant reduction in the expression of Enpp1, Ank, and Alpl in intervertebral discs from ENT1(-/-) mice compared to wild-type mice. Elevated plasma levels of inorganic pyrophosphate in ENT1(-/-) mice indicated generalized disruption of pyrophosphate homeostasis. This is the first report of a role for ENT1 in regulating the calcification of soft tissues. Moreover, ENT1(-/-) mice may be a useful model for investigating pathogenesis and evaluating therapeutics for the prevention of mineralization in DISH and related disorders.<br /> (Copyright © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.)
- Subjects :
- Animals
Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter 1 genetics
Gene Expression
Mice
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Calcification, Physiologic
Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter 1 physiology
Hyperostosis, Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal pathology
Spine pathology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1523-4681
- Volume :
- 28
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of bone and mineral research : the official journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 23184610
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1002/jbmr.1826