Osteolysis in Trichinella spiralis infected vs noninfected rats.

1. Based upon the present inability to describe the mechanism by which calcification takes place, and the unexplored metabolism of calcium during trichinosis, studies of rat bone involvement were undertaken. 2. Significant (P less than 0.05) differences were found in experimental (Trichinella spiralis infected) rat femurs vs those of noninfected rats. 3. Analysis by atomic absorption spectroscopy, dry femur weight, and tensile stress resistance indicated an overall reduction in calcium content. 4. This calcium reduction is due to active cyst calcification. 5. Results confirming this finding revealed significant (P less than 0.05) differences at days 60-80 postinfection (the beginning of cyst calcification.